Storms Likely in Central VA this Afternoon

Showers and thunderstorms will develop across much of the area this afternoon, as surface heating and an approaching upper storm system has contributed to an unstable environment. Very cold mid-level temperatures will allow any storms that do develop to be very efficient hail producers. Drier air in the lower levels of the atmosphere will be sufficient for strong downburst winds. A few severe storms are likely this afternoon across central VA, but the overall coverage and severity will be less than what we experienced yesterday. Tornadoes are not expected in the area this afternoon and evening.

EF0 Tornado Confirmed Near Raynor to Smithfield

After a National Weather Service survey of damage from Monday's storms, only one tornado has been confirmed in the state, with any other damage from severe storms from strong, straight-line winds. The one tornado confirmed was an EF0 (winds estimated at 55-70mph with minor damage) and it occurred from 7:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday near Raynor ENE to 1 mile NW of Smithfield. The tornado's track was 9 miles long, and 100 yards wide. Only minor damage occurred to homes and sheds in the path of this tornado.

Here is the official NWS report text:
"EF0 TORNADO TRACKED ALONG A NEARLY 9 MILE TRACK FROM NEAR RAYNOR EAST-NORTHEAST TO APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE NORTHWEST OF SMITHFIELD. DAMAGE ALONG THE PATH WAS INTERMITTENT...AND PRIMARILY CHARACTERIZED BY TREES TOPPED OUT OR BLOWN DOWN. THERE WAS ALSO MINOR DAMAGE TO HOMES AND SHEDS IN THE FORM OF SHINGLES OFF ROOFS...AND SIDING PEELED AWAY. IN ADDITION...A FEW METAL ROOFS WERE DAMAGED."

The EF0 rating is based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. You can learn more about the EF scale here.
--Carrie

Severe Weather Wrap-up

Severe thunderstorms affected much of Central Virginia Monday afternoon and early evening, with hail and wind being the primary threats, but there are a couple of possible tornado touchdowns that have yet to be confirmed.

Possible Tornadoes:
5 miles W of Smithfield
Isle of Wight near the town of Moonlight

Funnel cloud spotted in the Prince George area, but no touchdown.

Hail reports:
Golf-ball size: Fredericksburg, King George
Quarter-size: Farmville, Williamsburg, Crewe
Nickel-size: Hayes, Colonial Heights


(Full list of storm reports here)

There were numerous tornado warnings Monday, but large hail and straight-line wind damage were the main results of the severe thunderstorms that moved through central Virginia. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday afternoon, but not on the scale of Monday's storms.

Here are some of the rain totals received storm total, from the first round of rain Monday morning, and then from the thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Louisa 1.5"
Locust Grove 1.3"
Fredericksburg 1.3"
Charlottesville 1.2"
Lynchburg 1.1"
Reedville 1.1"
Newland 1.0"
Norfolk 0.9"
Williamsburg 0.8"
Richmond 0.7"
Petersburg 0.6"
Farmville 0.6"
Danville 0.5"
South Hill 0.5"
Emporia 0.2"