Severe Thunderstorm Watch Cancelled

Storms struggled to develop this afternoon due to a warm layer of air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. This "capping inversion" prevented updrafts from growing past a certain level and the taller storms capable of damaging winds and large hail never developed.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect Until 8 PM

Expect strong to severe thunderstorms to continue to develop across central VA this afternoon and evening. The strongest storms will be capable of producing wind gusts to 70 mph and quarter-sized hail.

Do I Sound Like A Broken Record?

You guessed it...we have the chance for more scattered thunderstorm development Thursday afternoon and evening as another upper-level wave swings through the region. Ample low-level moisture remains in place, along with very warm afternoon temperatures. When you combine that with the lift from the approaching storm system, you can get strong to severe thunderstorms developing. There will be the potential this afternoon and tonight for severe storms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail, as well as torrential rainfall on already saturated soil from recent heavy rains.

At this time, it does appear that most of the activity will move in from western parts of the state late this afternoon and sweep through the I-95 region tonight. However, isolated showers and thunderstorms are also possible in Central and Eastern Virginia this afternoon during peak heating.

--Carrie