Record-breaking tornadoes and thunderstorms that destroyed swaths of the South and claimed at least five lives in Virginia largely bypassed the Washington region, leaving residents only with the promise of cooler, sunnier days ahead. Residents of central and southern Virginia were not nearly so lucky. Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency in response to the state’s severe weather, authorizing state agencies to aid local responders.

The National Weather Service confirmed that at least three tornadoes touched down in the state. At least five people died – four in Washington County and one in Halifax County.