Friday, July 31, 2009

The Rain is Gone...For Now


Thunderstorms with heavy rain moved through much of eastern and southeastern Virginia Friday afternoon and evening, with estimates of 2-3" of rain across southern Brunswick county. The upper level feature that contributed to the widespread showers and thunderstorms has moved off the Mid-Atlantic coast, which will give us a temporary break from the rain. Another upper level disturbance will bring a good chance of showers and storms to central Virginia on Sunday. Thanks to Paul Duffy from the River's Bend community for the fantastic sunset photo.

Severe Weather Threat Diminishing

Storms continue to weaken across the area. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible in the Northern Neck and into the southeast corner of the state for the next couple hours. A stray shower will be possible in central VA, but the chances for thunderstorms are very slim.

New Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A new Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for all of Central Virginia and is in effect until 9 PM this evening.


Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9 PM for Northeast Virginia.


Strong to Severe Storms Possible Friday

Another upper-level storm system will track through the region Friday, bringing the opportunity for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening in Central Virginia. The surface low pressure system associated with the upper disturbance will track just to the west of the mountains in western Virginia, and continue to our North and Northeast this afternoon and evening.
This path will keep Southerly and Southwesterly flow into the Commonwealth, with dew point temperatures in the low to mid 70's (indicating ample low-level moisture to fuel newly developing thunderstorms) and bring sufficient lift over the state for strong to severe thunderstorms.
The primary threat out of these storms will be strong, straight-line winds. However, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, and some storms may also produce large hail.