By Lauren King
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 1, 2012 The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado was spotted in Hampton near Buckroe Beach and a new tornado warning was issued for Northampton County until 9:30 p.m.
Shortly before 9 p.m., the National Weather Service radar indicated a tornado was located 5 miles northwest of Cape Charles and moving northeast at 40 mph.
At about 8:15 p.m., the radar also picked up the tornado in Hampton as it was moving northeast at 25 mph. Downed trees, damage at the Hampton Yacht Club and to homes in Merrimac Shores have been reported to the National Weather Service in Wakefield.
Dominion Virginia Power reported more than 5,000 customers in Hampton were in the dark at 8:30 p.m.
A tornado watch for Hampton Roads, northeastern North Carolina and the Eastern Shore has been extended from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. A tornado watch does not mean a tornado has been spotted but that conditions are conducive.
Ponding of water is being reported on the interstates and the Virginia Department of Transportation has crews out to try to block lanes with standing water. A spokeswoman encouraged motorists to use extreme caution.
A small craft advisory is in effect along the coast until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Shortly before 5:30 p.m. a police officer in Elizabeth City reported seeing what could be a tornado touching down. Elizabeth City manager Rich Olson said that after visiting the area where it was reportedly seen, the damage does not appear to be consistent with a tornado. Storm damage was reported near Simpson Ditch Road and the storm moved northeast past Central Elementary School and into the Oxford Heights neighborhood.
Isolated power outages were reported and downed trees are being found on streets and on at least one vehicle, Olson said.
No injuries or structural damage was reported.
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INTERACTIVE WEATHER RADAR