Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for North Carolina and Virginia

Severe thunderstorms are affecting parts of North Carolina and Virginia, prompting a warning until 2:30 PM EDT. With wind gusts of 70 mph and large hail, residents should seek shelter and report damage to authorities. A separate severe thunderstorm watch is also in place until 6 PM EDT for several counties in the region.

In a significant weather alert, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 2:30 PM EDT for parts of North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. At 1:51 PM EDT, radar indicated severe thunderstorms were located along a line from Gary to Bandy to Raven, moving east at 45 miles per hour. These storms are characterized by 70 mph wind gusts and hail comparable to the size of ping pong balls, posing a serious risk to individuals and property.

Areas most affected by these severe thunderstorms include Bluefield, Richlands, Tazewell, Saltville, Cedar Bluff, Matoaka, and Ceres. Residents in these locations are advised to prepare for potential impacts such as significant hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles, as well as notable tree damage and risks to mobile homes and outbuildings. The public is urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and keep away from windows during this storm.

Additionally, a separate severe thunderstorm watch, numbered 261, is currently in effect until 6 PM EDT this evening for regions in North Carolina and Virginia. This watch covers six counties in North Central North Carolina and 13 counties in Southwest Virginia. Notably, some areas in Southeast West Virginia, including Mercer, Monroe, and Summers counties, are also under this watch.

Citizens are encouraged to report any hail or wind damage experienced during these storms to the National Weather Service. Reports can be made by calling 1-866-215-4324 or by sharing images on the NWS Facebook page or Twitter. This proactive reporting is crucial in helping officials assess storm impact and aid the community.

In conclusion, severe weather conditions are on the horizon, with both severe thunderstorm warnings and watches announced for multiple counties. Residents are advised to stay safe by seeking shelter and reporting any damage, ensuring both their safety and that of their properties as the storms approach.

In summary, severe thunderstorms are currently posing dangerous conditions in parts of North Carolina and Virginia, with warnings issued until 2:30 PM EDT. Key impacts include high winds and hail, affecting specific counties. The public is advised to take precautionary measures and report any storm damage, highlighting the importance of community safety during severe weather events.

Original Source: www.bdtonline.com