Blacksburg, Va. – Residents across the Blue Ridge and Virginia Piedmont should prepare for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening that could bring hail, damaging winds, and isolated power outages. The National Weather Service says the greatest risk lies along and east of the Blue Ridge, where storms are expected to intensify late today.
According to the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, the strongest storms could knock down trees and power lines, especially across the Virginia Piedmont and into northern North Carolina. Gusty winds are the primary threat, but small hail and localized damage cannot be ruled out.
Storms are expected to develop by mid-afternoon and continue through sunset. While most activity should fade after dark, the evening commute may be impacted in cities such as Lynchburg, Danville, and Roanoke. The agency urges residents to have multiple ways of receiving warnings and to seek shelter indoors if storms approach.
Travelers along U.S. 29 and Interstate 81 may encounter heavy rain and reduced visibility. Outdoor plans should be shifted indoors, as lightning strikes will accompany the strongest cells.
The severe threat should diminish after sunset, though lingering showers could continue into the overnight hours. More updates are expected later this weekend as storm chances return.
