Blacksburg, VA – A potent cold front moving through the Mid-Atlantic is expected to bring rounds of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms this afternoon and into the night, threatening portions of Virginia and North Carolina with damaging wind gusts and hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the greatest risk includes 60 mph wind gusts, 1-inch hail, and possibly an isolated tornado. The Northern Piedmont region of North Carolina faces the highest threat, rated Level 3 out of 5. Thunderstorms are expected to intensify after 2 p.m. and continue into the evening hours, tapering off after midnight.
Rain totals of 0.25 to 0.75 inches are forecast across the region, including areas from Roanoke and Lynchburg to Danville and Greensboro. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions, especially during the evening commute.
This severe threat comes alongside broader rainfall across the Mid-Atlantic, with coastal regions of Maryland and Delaware forecast to receive more than 1.5 inches of rain by Tuesday morning. While no river flooding is expected, localized flash flooding in urban zones remains possible.
Residents should monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts for updates through tonight.
