Richmond, Virginia – Residents across eastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions this evening as thunderstorms increase in coverage and the risk for severe weather escalates after 5 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread within the next 60 to 90 minutes as a strong cold front approaches from the northwest. The highest severe weather threat is expected from 5 p.m. through midnight.
Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are the primary concern, but forecasters warn that large hail, torrential rainfall and even a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Storms developing along and ahead of the approaching front may strengthen quickly as they move southeast across the region during the evening hours.
The threat area includes Richmond, Petersburg, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News and surrounding communities. Across Virginia – North Carolina, residents should remain alert for rapidly developing thunderstorms capable of producing downed trees, scattered power outages and dangerous travel conditions.
Motorists traveling on Interstate 64, Interstate 95, Interstate 264 and U.S. Route 58 may encounter sudden reductions in visibility during heavy rainfall. Localized flooding of poor-drainage areas is also possible where storms repeatedly track over the same locations.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that outdoor plans should not proceed without a reliable way to receive weather warnings. Residents attending sporting events, festivals or other outdoor activities should identify sturdy shelter locations before storms arrive.
Storm coverage is expected to increase steadily through the evening before gradually diminishing after midnight. Additional Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and possible Tornado Warnings may be issued with little notice if storms intensify.
Warnings remain possible through late tonight as the cold front pushes across eastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina.
