Richmond, Va. – Thunderstorms rolling into Virginia this afternoon could cause dangerous travel along the I-95 corridor, with the highest risk stretching from Richmond north toward Fredericksburg. The storms are expected to peak between 2 and 10 p.m. Saturday, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and localized flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, storms will develop over western Virginia midafternoon and push eastward through the evening. Gusts may reach up to 60 mph, strong enough to down trees and power lines, while scattered heavy rain raises the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Cities along I-95, including Richmond, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg, could see the strongest impacts during the evening commute. Emergency officials urge drivers to slow down on wet roads, avoid flooded intersections, and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
While the tornado risk remains very low, the threat of isolated hail could add to property damage concerns. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, keep devices charged in case of outages, and stay weather-aware through tonight.
Storm watches remain in effect until 10 p.m., with additional advisories possible if conditions worsen.