Richmond, VA – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for portions of Virginia through 10 PM Wednesday evening, impacting approximately 13.7 million residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the alert, emphasizing that damaging winds are the primary threat from the storms. Isolated incidents of strong to severe storms are also possible outside the watch area, though they are expected to be less organized.
According to the NWS, the storms could produce scattered gusts of up to 70 mph, frequent lightning, and isolated hail up to quarter size. Areas under the watch include Richmond, Washington D.C., Virginia Beach, and several other cities. With 3,346 schools and 168 hospitals potentially affected, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
The NWS advises residents to secure outdoor objects, avoid travel during peak storm hours, and stay indoors when possible. The combination of high winds and lightning can pose significant risks, including power outages and property damage.
