Roanoke, Va. – Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across central and eastern Virginia this afternoon, with the most intense activity likely northeast of a line from Lewisburg, West Virginia, to Danville, Virginia. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary threats through 9 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the highest risk zone includes cities like Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Lewisburg, with storms forming first over southern West Virginia and then moving into central and eastern Virginia and North Carolina. A slight risk for severe weather has been issued, and scattered storms could become intense, especially during the late afternoon hours.
Areas along and northeast of the Blue Ridge Parkway—including Lynchburg, Bedford, and Appomattox—could experience isolated power outages or tree damage due to wind gusts topping 60 mph. Hail up to one inch in diameter is also possible. Motorists on I-81 and Route 29 should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and possible delays from downed limbs or heavy rainfall.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings and to seek shelter in a sturdy building at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
Storms are expected to weaken after sunset, but additional alerts may be issued throughout the evening as conditions evolve.
