Monday, September 27, 2010

Slight Risk For Severe Storms


Rounds of welcome rain have been moving through central Virginia overnight, but strong to severe storms will be possible Monday afternoon and tonight. Wind will be the primary threat, but isolated tornadoes could also develop. The strong upper-low pressure storm system responsible for our first significant rainfall since mid-August will lift northward Tuesday, ending our rain and storm chances mid-day. But while ample lift and moisture remain in our region, severe storms are possible. Don't be surprised if you wake up to thunder overnight tonight.
A second storm system will bring more rain late Wednesday and Thursday. This storm is currently in the Caribbean near Cuba, and is expected to track northward through Florida and along the Southeast coastline the next several days, overspreading tropical moisture into Virginia Wednesday and Thursday. You can see the white clouds south of Cuba and east of the Yucatan associated with that broad low pressure system this morning:
This system should result in more much-needed rain in drought-ridden central Virginia.