A National Weather Service (NWS) warning alerted around 20,000 people in Virginia to 'prepare immediately' on Thursday afternoon as a severe thunderstorm rolled through the region.
Why It Matters
Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly and are often accompanied by damaging winds, heavy rain, large hail, and lightning. NWS meteorologist William Perry told Newsweek that the storms on Thursday were occurring ahead of a cold front that was descending into the area.
"We can have some damaging winds if we get enough instability ahead of the front," he said. "It can happen any time of year, especially the spring and fall."
What to Know
The NWS office in Blacksburg, Virginia, issued the severe thunderstorm warning just before 4:45 p.m. on Thursday afternoon for south central Charlotte County and Southern Halifax County in south central Virginia. Cities within the warning area included South Boston, Halifax, Turbeville, Ingram, Cluster Springs, Elmo and Alton.
At the time the warning was issued, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cluster Springs, or near Turbeville, moving east at 35 mph. The storm was accompanied by wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail.
"Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds," the warning said. "For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows."
Hail was expected to cause damage to vehicles, and wind would be strong enough to cause damage to roofs, siding and trees.
The warning was scheduled until 5:45 p.m., but was no longer in place as of 5:22 p.m. Instead, a new severe thunderstorm warning had been issued by the same office as of 5:17 p.m. further south.
"At 517 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Staunton River State Park, or near Redoak, moving east at 35 mph," the updated warning said.
What People Are Saying
NWS Blacksburg in a severe thunderstorm warning: "Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning."
NWS in a Thursday morning forecast: "A few strong to severe thunderstorms possible along a reinforcing cold front Friday and Saturday for the Ohio/Tennessee Valleys to New England."
What Happens Next
The severe thunderstorm threat had moved further south as of publication of this article. Looking further out, NWS Blacksburg meteorologists warned that "widely scattered thunderstorms will develop on Saturday." People in the impacted areas are urged to follow local weather guidance and be prepared to seek shelter if such storms develop.