Wakefield, Virginia – Residents across eastern Virginia, northeast North Carolina and Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore should prepare for several days of unsettled weather, with the greatest risk for severe thunderstorms arriving Tuesday as a cold front moves across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, isolated thunderstorms are possible this evening and tonight, primarily inland. While widespread severe weather is not expected today, an isolated storm could produce damaging wind gusts between 45 and 60 mph.
Storm coverage is expected to increase Monday, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms developing across much of the region during the afternoon and evening. A few storms could become severe, with damaging straight-line winds remaining the primary hazard. Communities including Richmond, Petersburg, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News and Elizabeth City should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.
The highest confidence for severe weather comes Tuesday, when scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of a strong cold front. According to the National Weather Service, some storms may produce damaging wind gusts of 60 mph, capable of downing tree limbs, causing isolated power outages and creating hazardous travel conditions. Frequent lightning and brief periods of heavy rainfall could also accompany stronger storms.
Anyone with outdoor plans over the next several days should monitor the latest forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. Move indoors immediately if thunder is heard, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions during the afternoon and evening hours. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence in Tuesday’s severe weather event continues to increase.
