Roanoke, VA — Residents across southwest Virginia are bracing for severe thunderstorms Monday evening, with damaging wind, large hail, and an isolated tornado all possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the threat window spans from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 14, covering cities including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, Wytheville, Bluefield, and Lewisburg. The region falls under a “Slight Risk” zone, indicating a greater-than-usual potential for hazardous weather. Areas to the north, including portions of central Virginia, face a “Marginal Risk.”
The primary threats include wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, hail greater than one inch in diameter, and the possibility of a brief tornado, especially near the Virginia–West Virginia border. While widespread storms are not expected, isolated severe cells could bring significant localized impact.
Emergency officials urge residents to stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts, including NOAA weather radios and mobile notifications. Travelers should plan for rapidly changing conditions and potential debris on roads.
This event comes during a historically active severe weather month for Virginia, with April often producing strong spring storms. The NWS advises monitoring updated alerts through the evening.
