Richmond, VA – A powerful line of severe storms is expected to impact Virginia and North Carolina on Wednesday, bringing damaging winds, hail, and a potential tornado threat. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that storms will rapidly move east from late morning into the afternoon.
According to the NWS Wakefield office, severe wind gusts of 60 to 75 mph are possible, particularly in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. A tornado threat is also present, with the highest risk in Southside Virginia and the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.
The timing of the storm varies by region. The Piedmont area, including western Virginia, will see storms from 10 a.m. to noon. The I-95 corridor, including Richmond and surrounding areas, is expected to experience severe weather between noon and 2 p.m. By 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., storms will move eastward, impacting Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and northeastern North Carolina.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, secure outdoor items, and have a safety plan in place. Power outages and hazardous travel conditions are likely. Officials advise monitoring local forecasts and ensuring access to emergency alerts.
