Microburst confirmed in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) - Meteorologists say strong storms did in fact produce a microburst in Smithfield Wednesday afternoon.

A meteorologist with the NWS says the storm produced a microburst with winds of about 70 mph above the ground at tree level. According to the NWS, a microburst is sinking air in a thunderstorm less than 2.5 miles in scale. They can cause damage similar to that of tornadoes.

The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department said several trees were down in the area.

"I saw one of the trees being blown all around," Smithfield resident Stacey Waller said. "It looked like the branches were gonna come right through the window and I came outside and my roommate said, 'You lost half your tree,' and it was just laying in the yard."

The surveyed damage was in the neighborhoods of Scott's Landing and Aspen Woods.