Two EF1 Tornadoes Confirmed in Pittsylvania County

The NWS survey team in Blacksburg, Virginia concluded that an EF1 tornado touched down 4 miles north of Pittsville, in Pittsylvania county. The tornado was on the ground from 10:48 AM to 10:50 AM, traveling 7 tenths of a mile with a maximum path width of 75 yards. The estimated maximum wind speeds ranged from 86 to 110 mph. There were no injuries or fatalities from this tornado. A second tornado was on the ground from 11:02 to 11:04 near the town of Hurt, just south of Altavista. This tornado was 150 yards wide, with a path of 6 tenths of a mile, and maximum wind speeds of 86-95 mph. There were no injuries or fatalities from this tornado.

Isolated Showers/Storms Possible Overnight

A cool front will move through the area tonight, and with low-level moisture in place, a few showers and storms will be possible overnight. The strongest showers and storms will have gusty winds and some small hail, as well as the potential for localized flooding. Any activity that does develop should clear central Virginia by sunrise Saturday.

Quiet For Now

Most of the rain has now moved into the Middle Peninsula and Virginia Beach. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are developing along and west of the Blue Ridge. These are moving in our direction, so we can't completely rule out one or two more showers this evening and early tonight.

Tornado Watch Until 7 PM

This lone storm has been showing signs of rotation, so a Tornado Watch is in effect until 7 PM for locations in southeast Virginia.

One Strong Storm

We are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is currently moving through southern Amelia, Nottoway and Lunenburg counties. There is an incredible amount of lightning associated with this storm. In addition, you can expect very heavy rain and possibly damaging winds as it passes.

This storm will affect the southside of metro Richmond, Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties over the next hour.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 5 p.m.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of Central Virginia until 5 p.m. for thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and large hail. Torrential rainfall is also possible with the heaviest storms, and frequent lightning can be expected.

In addition, brief, isolated tornadoes are also possible with these storms.

Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.

--Carrie

Severe Storms Possible Friday

Here is an update on the risk area for severe storms this afternoon and evening. As you can see, the entire Commonwealth is included in the risk. A deepening trough will swing into the Eastern U.S. today, with an associated surface front that will sweep through the state tonight. Ahead of that system, strong to severe storms are likely to develop by early afternoon in Central Virginia, and continue through the evening. As ample lift and moisture will be in place, severe storms are likely, capable of damaging winds, torrential rain, and even an isolated tornado or two. In response to the approaching upper-level storm, a surface low will form in south-central Virginia this afternoon, and track east this evening. It is near this low pressure center where brief, isolated tornadoes will be possible.

Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.