A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for part of Virginia

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 5 PM for southwest Virginia into Buckingham, Appomattox, and Charlotte Counties. Threats from any severe storms that develop include damaging wind gusts to 70 mph and large hail up to 1.5" in diameter (ping pong size).

Watches may be issued into the rest of central Virginia as the day and evening progresses because we, like a large chunk of the country, are under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. It will be very hot into the upper 80s and low 90s this afternoon, and humid as well. Here's the map with the Slight Risk in yellow, a Moderate Risk in orange, and a rare High Risk in red over the heart of Tornado Alley (Oklahoma and Kansas):

It's the orange and red areas in the Heartland that have the potential for a significant tornado outbreak this afternoon and evening. Unfortunately, this covers some of the same areas that were hard-hit this weekend and yesterday with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes...including devastated Joplin, Missouri from Sunday. Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.

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.