Tornado Damage, Woodson High School, 1973

On April 1, 1973, an F-3 strength tornado swept through Fairfax County. Teacher Trudy Todd stands in her roofless classroom at Woodson High School. The federal government declared the county eligible for disaster assistance and damages to the county were estimated at about $14 million.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools

Tornado Debris, 1973

On April 1, 1973, an F-3 strength tornado tore through Fairfax County, leaving an estimated $14 million in damages and making the county eligible for federal disaster assistance. Winds were estimated at 125 miles per hour. Woodson High School was particularly hard hit, as shown by debris collected on the athletic field.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools

Blizzard, 1970

Fairfax County is sometimes blanketed by snowstorms that shut down the community until snowplows can reach into the neighborhoods. In 1970, snow covered streets that became impassable, complicating commuting to work and school.

Courtesy Herb Beard

Map: Fairfax County Tornado, 1973

A newspaper clipping shows the path of the tornado that occurred in Fairfax County on April 1, 1973, April Fools Day.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools