in his hands cleanup efforts are underway in appomattox county after that powerful, now confirmed e-f-3 tornado hit."right now, we'll be sending out three tractor trailers to tapohannock. most of those loaded with equipment. we're sending a truck, one truck to appomattox. once things get settled, as much as they need that we have." we're checking in with local organizations to see how they're lending a helping hand to tornado victims. and the final g-o-p presidential debate is in the books this

good morning, it's friday, february 26th thank you for choosing good day virginia. i'm kyle benjamin. and i'm january keaton. residents will continue to salvage anything they can in appomattox county once the sun rises later this morning-- two days after the severe weather rocked small communities across central virginia. national weather service officials confirming an e-f-3 tornado did touch down. this is

appomattox county since 1950. governor mcauliffe was in appomattox county on thursday to tour the damage left behind by the tornado.he visited the white pine drive area and spoke to people who live there. wednesday's tornado destroyed many of their homes. governor mcauliffe said he couldn't believe the destruction and is relieved people took shelter when they did. "if this had happened in the middle of the night, i'll tell you this, fatalities would have been way up. the kids were in school they kept the kids in school. so folks are very smart."after his tour through appomattox, the governor headed to waverly in eastern virginia.the storm killed three people there, including a 2-year-old boy. after the tornado, many are still without power and needing a place to stay. the american red cross has 2 shelters set up. one at the appomattox community center, the other in neighboring pamplin. residents tell wfxr news they're happy for all of the work that the red cross

"i am thankful and grateful for the shelter and for the people here. that are so good and so kind to help on another especially in a time like this." the red cross says they will keep the shelters open as long as people need to stay. organizations throughout the region are also doing what they can to help the tornado victims.wfxr's kristen eskow spoke to god's pit crew from danviile...she tells us how they're lending a helping hand. :00-:05:21-:26:53-:58 kristen intro: "members of god's pit crew have visited three different areas in virginia affected by the tornadoes to assess the damage. the next step is delivering assistance to the victims."as virginia's tornado victims try to begin the process of picking up the pieces and rebuilding - members of god's pit crew are figuring out what they can do to help.cline: "once they decide this is where we're going, then we have to decide what equipment and we start loading trucks with skid steers and with product." johnson: "most everywhere we've ever been to respond to disasters, especially tornadoes, we hear one repeating thing over and over: 'we never thought it would happen here.' a little scary when it gets really close to home."director randy johnson says the group plans to go to appomattox county and tapohannock to assist tornado victims. they'll start by bringing products like water and toiletries to those in need - and also help with cleanup - clearing downed trees and other debris.

sending out three tractor trailers to tapohannock. most of those loaded with equipment. we're sending a appomattox. once things get that we have."johnson says volunteers will likely spend site. they'll also meet with local leaders to find out how they can help - over the long term.johnson: "it's great to be able to deliver hope to those who feel like there is none, you know, when everything's destroyed and their lives are shattered all around them."kristen tag: "about 30-40 volunteers are expected to leave this morning to start helping with cleanup and deliver supplies. for good day virginia, i'm kristen

officials in appomattox county want people to avoid damaged areas to minimize risks with structure damage and electrical issues.wind gusts will continue to be a problem and you should also be aware of loose limbs and downed power lines.there is a helpline availible if you need assitance. that number is on your screen right now: 4-3-4- 3-5-2-2-6-3-7. since the storm, many people have been asking-- what about pets? shelters can't house them all.. so officials in appomattox county are giving pet-owners some options. you can contact the appomattox county animal shelter at the number you see on your screen-- 434-352-7922-- if you or someone you know is in need of sheltering options. strong northwest winds will continue to generate upslope snow showerswest of the blue ridge through this morning. high pressure builds tonight...moving to the

wfxr news is your local election headquarters. senators marco rubio and ted cruz jumped all over republican front-runner donald trump thursday night. cruz and trump traded shots in the past...but this is the first time rubio attacked the billionaire businessman. fox's stever rappoport has more from last night's final g-o-p presidential debate, just days before super tuesday. rubio says: "well you're the only person on this stage that's ever been fined for hiring people to work on your projects illegally. you hired some workers from poland." trump says: "no. i'm the only one on this stage that's hired people. you haven't hired anybody." the five remaining gop trump says: "you get along with nobody. you don't have the endorsement of one republican senator and you work with these people. you should be ashamed of yourself." want to be liked in washington. that's not a good attribute for a president." frontrunner donald trump now a major target... rubio says: "donald mentioned, cause he mentioned me in his answer, that his position on immigration is what's driven this debate. well, the truth is though, that a lot of these positions that he's now taking are new to him." marco rubio and ted cruz -- looking to slow trump's momentum...trump says: "by the way i've hired tens of thousands of people

nobody." rubio says: "yeah, you've hired a thousand people from another company. from another country."trump says: "you've had nothing but problems, with your credit cards, etc. so don't tell me about that."rubio says: "let me finish the statement. this is important."trump says: "you haven't hired one person in your life."rubio says: "he hired workers from poland. and he had to pay a million dollars in a judgment."trump says: "that's wrong." while, for john kasich and ben carson it's all about staying alive politically.carson says: "our nation is heading off the abyss of destruction."carson says: "we will not solve any

also join wfxr news this sunday night for our presidential primary special. it starts at 7-o'clock right here on wfxr news. we now know where senator marco rubio's southwest virginia rally will be held on sunday night.the event gets underway at 8-30 at roanoke college in salem. doors open at 7:30 and you will need to rsvp.if you want to know how to rsvp- just head to our website--virginia first dot-com. we've had snow, ice and tornado this season, but what does it all mean for spring? we take a closer look in a wfxr news special report, godzilla el nino.

continue to generate upslope snow showers west of the blue ridge through this morning. high pressure buildstonight...moving to the southeast coast by sunday returningtemperatures to at or

the ongoing el nino may go down in the record books as the strongest ever measured, and has contributed to rain, snow, and the whole kitchen sink in virginia over the past few months. el nino is forecast to gradually weaken as we head into spring, but does that mean the weather will calm down, or is the commonwealth in line for more active weather?

takes a look in this wfxr news special report. godzilla el nino. no, it's not exactly a giant monster parading through downtown roanoke, but it has sparked some wild weather in southwest virginia from historic flooding to record heat to

predicting what's next is no easy task, spring.than average slightly

next in our ag life report:a festival celebrating all things horses.why organizers say this event could clear up some misconceptions about the

horse owners from near and far are coming together to show off their horses at the upcoming virginia-north carolina horse festival. w-f-x-r's charlie cooper got a preview of what to expect at the festival and shows us how the horses are preparing for the big day. 17-2136-41 nat soundsherri garner-horse ownersthis horse has been shown everywhere. she's been in world and the national championships for farisians.track 1now this beauty will be one of 50 horses shown at the upcoming virginia north carolina horse festival. jamie stowe-virginia cooperative extensionthe arena here is empty right now but we have a full day of activities planned. our ever popular parade of breeds where people get to see a lot of different breeds of horses.track 2and learn a bit about their history from owners like sherri garner.sherri garner- horse ownerspeople have a real misconception about horses. varieties of breeds of horses are used for a lot of differen things. these guys are multi- purpose. they do carriage, they pull plows.charlie cooper reportingthis marks the second year for the horse festival but for zaphira here, this year will be her first time. track 3and preparation for the event looks like this.track 4 lots of exercise and a bit of pampering.sherri garner-horse ownersthey get a really nice massage bath. they get all the hair on their nose and around their eyes trimmed off.track 5 so when it's show time they're ready to strut their stuff. in chatam charlie cooper, w-f-x-r news. w-f-x-r news.charlie cooper,

next in our good news segment, members of one high school football team make a difference in appomattox county. that story when good day virginia returns in

in this morning's local good news segment as we've told you all morning, people are helping one another in appomattox county and even the high school football team is lending a hand!the team's motto is power of one and as wfxr's paris holmes shows us--- the team swapped their pads and helmets for gloves and shovels---to help clear debris. "this is our community and these are our people." appomattox county high school football coach doug smith. he's drving one his players to central baptist church. one of many buildings devastated by wednesday's e-f-3 tornado. he and his team are trying to save what they can...and piling up what they can't. they are taught to take hits on field, but the sight of downed trees, ruined grave stones. crumbled bricks, and broken glass have these players a bit shaken....."i used to hear this midwest, and now it's just here in front of our faces like did we just see this?" although they are in shock--they rallying around their neighbors as thier neighbors have rallied around them. "since they've been with us the whole season, we decided to give back to them"giving back - one of the lessons coach smith has been teaching all season. "down the road in life they are going to run into some problems and they need to know its now all about them. its about other people." and now for these appomattox county high school football players--it's a

news. it's a taste so bold, yet so smooth, it could only be called, black silk, from folgers. a taste you could enjoy, fresh brewed, or one cup at a time.

strong northwest winds will continue to generate upslope snow showerswest of the blue ridge through this morning. high pressure builds tonight...moving to the southeast coast by sunday returningtemperatures to at or

good morning, it's friday, february 26th thank you for choosing good day virginia.i'm kyle benjamin.keaton. we now know the name of a missing man who was found dead after wednesday's tornado in evergreen. the appomattox county sheriff's department says 78-year-old edward harris was killed. police say his home was destroyed by the tornado. seven others in appomattox county were hurt including harris' wife. people all across appomattox county say they're lucky to be alive following wednesday's deadly tornado.virginia state police say the tornado destroyed 20 homes in appomattox county and damaged at least 100 other buildings. the nws estimates the tornado cut a 400 yard wide 13 mile long path of destruction along route 460those who lived through the tornado tell wfxr news its something they will never forget. scary- scary for me i was really scared and the dogs got scared i had him in my arms and he was shivering, and im shivering and it started pouring, pouring down raining on me i had glass and dirt and roofing stuff and insulation all in my hair and all over me

again. the appomattox county tornado had estimated maximum wind speeds between 136 and 165 miles per hour. officials say the storm's path was around 13 miles long and

strong northwest winds will continue to normal.at or above temperatures to at or above normal. virginia not the only state dealing with extreme weather. thousands are

states as storm systems cause major damage. fox's joy piazza has the latest. extreme weather slamming this storm.wake of the emergency in

four people are dead this morning after man opened fire inside a kansas manufacturing plant on thursday.police shot and killed the suspect-- but not before he apparently wounded 14 other people. police in kansas identified their suspect as an employee of the plant, but did not give his name. federal investigators say they are actively working 4 different crime scenes related to the shooting and investigating why that employee opened fire. attorney general loretta lynch is supporting the

that apple unlock a san bernardino terrorist's phone. she did not mention apple by name in testimony before a house committee on thursday, but says judges have authority to tell third parties to help the government in its evidence search in criminal cases. "it's a long-standing principle in our justice system that if an independent judge finds reason to believe that a certain item contains evidence of a crime, then that judge can authorize the government to conduct limited search for that evidence and if the government needs the assistance of third parties to ensure that the search is actually conducted, judges all over the country and on the supreme court have said that those parties must assist if it's reasonably within their power to do so." authorities are hoping information on the phone will clarify the motive in the attack. they also hope it will help them determine if any other people were involved that authorities don't currently know about. so far, investigators have not been able to crack into the phone's information on their

is the flu vaccine effective? coming up on good day virginia: how getting the shot can help you! and experts say stretching is more benefical than first thought! in health news, the advantages it

in health news this mor the centers for disease

this season's vaccine cuts the chance of getting the flu by nearly 60-percent.that makes it one of the most effective flu vaccines in recent years. last season's flu shot only reduced flu risks by just 20- percent.the c-d-c also notes that it's still not too late to get a flu shot if you haven't gotten one yet. you may think stretching is only beneficial after a workout routine, right? mary moloney explains the advantages stretch beyond that. flexibility is important at any age.and one of the bests way to improve your joint range of motion is by stretching - and doing so regularly.experts from the mayo clinic say adults should do flexibility exercises at least two to three times a week..and can do so at home, the gym or even at work.some tips to consider while trying to improve your flexibility.. focus on major muscle groups.. when you're stretching.. focus on your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. and make sure that you stretch both sides. hold your stretch..try to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds .. and remember to breathe normally. don't aim for pain..you should expect to feel some tension but not pain. if the position you're in hurts, ease off until it no longer feels painful. bring movement into your stretching...the gentle flow in yoga or tai chi can help

specific movements.experts warn to always use proper technique.stretching incorrectly can actually do more harm than good.for

strong northwest winds will news, weather, and sports. we've got you covered on our website, virginia first dot-com. we're also on facebook and twitter - just search wfxr news

gives new meaning to the word "whiskers". chances are you've seen a cat rescue caught on camera.. but have you seen mustachioed cat? i know you're probably thinking, you've got to be "kitten" me,

not.. this little dude was found abandoned in a donation drop off site in california. animal control officials

news this morning, he's almost strong northwest winds will continue to generate upslope snow showerswest of the blue ridge through this morning. high pressure builds tonight...moving to the southeast coast by sunday returningtemperatures to at or

surveying the damage.the governor mcauliffe gets a look at how lives were changed by the deadly tornado. "it's really sad to be there and see families and friends walking through the debris.final impressionsthe republican presidential candidates try to knock off the front runner before super tuesday's primaries.we will have the details of one candidates appearance this weekend in the roanoke valley. thank you for choosing good day virginia. it's friday february 26.i'm kyle benjamin. and i'm january keaton. national weather service officials confirm what hit

powerful e-f-3 tornado.that means the winds that hit the region reached up to 165 miles per hour.the official designation is no comfort to residents who will continue to salavage anything they can this morning from their homes that were destroyed. the tornado killed one man in appomattox, 78 year old keith harris. governor mcauliffe was in appomattox county on thursday to tour the damage. he visited the people in the white pine drive area. many of them lost their homes to the storm. mcauliffe said he couldn't believe the destruction. "homes are flattened for miles and it's really sad to be there and see families and friends walking through the debris and all you have a cement foundation, all your looking for is a memento, it's hard." after his tour through appomattox, the governor headed to waverly in eastern virginia. three people were killed there, including a two year-old boy. many people are still

following the tornado. the american red cross has 2 shelters set up. one at the appomattox community center, the other in neighboring pamplin. residents tell wfxr news they're happy for all of the work that the red cross volunteers are doing. "i am thankful and grateful for the shelter and for the people here. that are so good and so kind to help on another especially in a time like this." the red cross says it will keep the shelters open as will keep the cross says it the red cross says it will keep the shelters open as long as people need a place to stay. many people have been asking since the storm what about pets, since many shelters will not allow pets. officials in appomattox county have released information on options for pets. residents can contact the appomattox county animal shelter at the number you see on your screen 434-352-7922 for information regarding sheltering options. officials in appomattox county are asking residents to avoid damaged areas to minimize risks with structure