A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for several counties in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. The storm poses threats such as 70 mph wind gusts and significant hail. Residents should take shelter and report damage to authorities.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:30 PM EDT for a region that includes northwestern Smyth, Tazewell, western Bland, northwestern Wythe, and southwestern Mercer counties. Radar indicates that thunderstorms are moving east at approximately 45 mph, with a line of storms stretching from Gary to Bandy to Raven. Residents should brace for powerful wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail the size of ping pong balls, causing potential injuries and property damage.
The storm threatens those outdoors, and people are urged to seek shelter immediately. Besides personal safety, significant hail and winds could damage roofs, siding, and vehicles. Areas affected by this storm include Bluefield, Richlands, Tazewell, Saltville, Cedar Bluff, Matoaka, and Ceres, highlighting the need for caution in these regions.
Moreover, with storm conditions being volatile, the National Weather Service has also announced Severe Thunderstorm Watch 261, effective until 6 PM EDT today. This watch applies to several counties in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as parts of West Virginia. Residents in these counties are advised to remain alert for further weather updates.
In North Carolina, the affected counties include Surry, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin. In Virginia, it covers Bland, Carroll, the cities of Galax and Radford, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, and Wythe. Lastly, the watch also impacts Mercer, Monroe, and Summers counties in West Virginia.
Weather threats include considerable chances of damaging winds and significant hail indicated by radar, with maximum wind gusts expected to reach 70 mph and hail sizes of up to 1.5 inches. The public is encouraged to report any hail or wind damage, such as downed trees or limbs, to the National Weather Service. Reports can be made via telephone or social media, assisting weather observers in tracking storm progress.
In summary, a severe thunderstorm warning and a corresponding watch continue to present dangers across parts of Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph, with considerable hail expected. Residents are urged to prioritize safety by seeking shelter and reporting weather phenomena while keeping updated on official advisories.
Original Source: www.bdtonline.com
