Monday, May 23, 2011

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect Until 11 PM


A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for central and southern VA, including all of the Richmond metro area, until 11 PM. Wind gusts to 70 mph and hail to 2" in diameter will be possible with the strongest storms. -Zach

A Severe T-Storm Watch is in effect for part of Virginia

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 6 PM for north-central and parts of west-central Virginia (the counties highlighted in yellow on the map below).

As we enter the warmest part of the day this afternoon, strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in western Virginia, then intensify and track eastward this afternoon and evening. Expect wind gusts to 70 mph and hail the size of ping pong balls (1.5" diameter hail) with the severe thunderstorms. Torrential downpours and frequent lightning are also expected with any of the storms that develop. Follow the latest severe weather updates in our Storm Room this afternoon by clicking here. Stay with CBS6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.

Virginia has a slight risk for severe t-storms Monday

This week we are in a for a stretch of Summer-like weather with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. We will have just enough moisture and lift to generate mainly afternoon and evening thunderstorms most days. Monday afternoon and evening there is a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms for all of Virginia.

I expect thunderstorms to initially develop in western Virginia during the peak afternoon heating, then intensify as they track east-southeast through central Virginia this evening. The threats associated with these storms, which may combine into one squall line, will include damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, large hail an inch in diameter (quarter-size hail), frequent lightning and torrential downpours. Although an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, that threat appears low today. Thunderstorms are expected to exit east into the Bay after 9PM, with quiet weather overnight.

Here is an hour-by-hour forecast during the time storms are expected in central Virginia.
4PM:

5PM:

6PM:

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8PM:

9PM:

10PM:


Be sure to "Like" Chief Meteorologist Zach Daniel's Facebook page by clicking here and also Meteorologist Carrie Rose's Facebook page by clicking here to receive early online updates on our severe threat today and this evening. Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.