Richmond, Virginia – More than 60 counties across Virginia face a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms through 9 p.m. Tuesday, with damaging wind gusts and hail expected to sweep through urban and rural communities alike.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 481 includes key population centers such as Richmond, Fairfax, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville. The watch covers much of Central and Northern Virginia, extending from Arlington and Alexandria to Rockingham, Augusta, and Spotsylvania counties.
Strong storms are likely to produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, quarter-sized hail, and localized flooding, especially along I-95, I-81, and Route 29. Cities including Harrisonburg, Manassas, and Staunton could see downed trees and power outages during the evening commute.
Residents are urged to stay indoors during active thunderstorms, charge mobile devices, and avoid parking under trees. If driving, be alert for rapidly changing road conditions and poor visibility.
This marks one of the most widespread thunderstorm watches in the region so far this summer. A similar event in July 2021 led to thousands of power outages across Central Virginia.
The watch remains active through 9 p.m. Tuesday, and additional warnings could be issued as the system intensifies.
