Richmond, Va. – A tornado watch remains in effect for much of central and eastern Virginia through 10 p.m. Sunday, with dangerous thunderstorms threatening to spawn tornadoes, especially in the Richmond metro area and along the lower Chesapeake Bay.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Tornado Watch 392 includes 29 counties and cities across Virginia, from Buckingham and Chesterfield to Yorktown and the Northern Neck. Cities under the watch include Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson. Coastal waters from Smith Point to Little Creek are also under the watch, along with the Rappahannock and York Rivers.
Strong rotation has been observed in storm cells moving northeast across the region this afternoon. Residents should monitor local weather alerts and be prepared to take shelter quickly if a tornado warning is issued. Travel along I-64, Route 33, and Route 60 may be hazardous due to sudden wind shifts and downed branches.
Those in mobile homes or low-lying areas should move to sturdy structures before nightfall. Charge phones, review tornado safety plans, and avoid unnecessary travel until the threat clears.
The tornado watch is set to expire at 10 p.m., but additional advisories could be issued depending on storm development into the overnight hours.
