Charlottesville, Va. – Residents across Central and Western Virginia are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Friday as severe storms sweep through the region, bringing the threat of damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, Tornado Watch 348 includes 18 Virginia counties and seven counties in Eastern and Panhandle West Virginia. Areas at highest risk include Charlottesville, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and surrounding communities in Albemarle, Shenandoah, and Frederick counties.
Local emergency management officials urge residents to monitor alerts, stay indoors, and have a shelter plan ready. City centers such as Waynesboro, Luray, and Woodstock could experience rapid storm development and short-notice warnings. Outdoor activities and evening travel are strongly discouraged until the threat passes.
In Eastern West Virginia, the watch includes Jefferson, Berkeley, and Pendleton counties, where strong cell rotation and wind gusts may impact the I-81 corridor.
This system has the potential to spawn isolated tornadoes similar to past late-spring outbreaks in the region. Power outages and debris hazards are possible in affected areas.
The tornado watch remains active until 8 p.m., and additional warnings may follow if conditions persist. Residents should remain alert and ready to take shelter immediately if sirens sound.
