Severe Potential This Afternoon

We are monitoring for the development of thunderstorms this afternoon in Virginia as a cold front approaches the state and as our afternoon temperatures climb into the upper-80's with ample moisture. Thunderstorms should first form along and east of I-81 in the next couple of hours, then track east-southeast through the afternoon and early evening. Any storms that develop will have a good chance of becoming severe with damaging wind gusts 60-70 mph and large hail. In addition to these threats, heavy rain and frequent lightning will accompany any of the thunderstorms. This will impact outdoor activities this afternoon and evening. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Go inside! You can stay weather aware on your cell phone by pointing your mobile browser to mobile.wtvr.com or on your iPhone with the CBS6 App.

Pictures Of Damage From Yesterday

Here are some more photos of tree damage from Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties - thanks for sending these! You can always send storm photos to weather@wtvr.com.

More Storms Possible Friday

(viewer submitted picture from May 12, 2010)
Thursday is the break between storm chances in Central Virginia. Wednesday, a large portion of our state was affected by severe thunderstorms tracking rapidly southeast. Here are the severe reports from yesterday:

Today is cloudy and cooler, but we'll have a fast rebound Friday with highs reaching the upper-80's and low-90's in Central Virginia. In addition to the big afternoon warm-up, we'll have the return of southerly flow bringing more of the low-level moisture back into the Mid-Atlantic to serve as fuel for thunderstorms. Notice that dew point temperatures will be in the mid-60's in much of Central Virginia by early Friday afternoon:

The difference between Friday and Wednesday, though, is that the upper lift tomorrow will not be as significant as yesterday, but it will still be present in the afternoon. Here's the upper wave by early evening:

Any storms that form in this environment could therefore become severe with damaging winds, heavy downpours, and frequent lightning.