Richmond, Virginia – Residents across central and eastern Virginia should use the quieter weather this morning to prepare for severe thunderstorms expected to develop later today. Storms capable of producing wind gusts exceeding 60 mph could rapidly impact the afternoon and evening commute, with additional threats including large hail, localized flooding and a few tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, dry conditions will continue through the morning and into midday before scattered to numerous thunderstorms develop to the north and move southeast across the region. The most active period is expected between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., with storms moving southeast at 35 to 45 mph.
Much of central Virginia, including Richmond, Farmville and Louisa, is under a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms, while Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore and northeast North Carolina remain under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk. Forecasters say damaging wind gusts are the primary concern, but large hail and a couple of tornadoes are also possible if stronger storms develop.
Communities along the Interstate 95 corridor and across the Tidewater region should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions this evening. Strong wind gusts could down tree limbs, produce scattered power outages and create hazardous travel conditions, while torrential rainfall may lead to localized flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, charge electronic devices before storms arrive and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio. Additional severe thunderstorm or tornado watches and warnings may be issued as storms organize later this afternoon.
