Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Virginia and North Carolina
Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for parts of Virginia and North Carolina, with expected wind gusts of 70 mph and hail the size of ping pong balls. Residents are urged to take immediate safety measures and report any damages. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has also been issued, affecting multiple counties in both states.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 2:30 PM EDT for several regions including northwestern Smyth, Tazewell, and parts of southwestern Mercer counties. According to radar, powerful thunderstorms are tracking from Gary to Bandy and then onto Raven, moving eastward at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour. Residents should be alert for wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph and potentially damaging hail the size of ping pong balls. This storm poses risks to people and animals outside, significant structural damage to homes and vehicles, as well as threats of uprooted trees.
Impacted areas consist of cities like Bluefield, Richlands, and Tazewell. Those in the line of the storm should take immediate action to protect themselves—relocate to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows. Once it is safe, local residents are encouraged to report any hail or wind damage, including fallen trees to the National Weather Service. They can call a toll-free number or share their experiences and photos via social media on the National Weather Service’s Blacksburg Facebook and Twitter pages.
Compounding this weather threat, the National Weather Service has also issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 261, effective until 6 PM EDT today, covering parts of North Carolina and Virginia. This watch includes six counties in North Carolina and thirteen in southwest Virginia. The regions under this alert include Surry, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin in North Carolina, with Virginia’s alert covering areas such as Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Tazewell among others. This weather development indicates that severe storms might be brewing, adding further concern for residents in both states.
Based on the current trends, weather conditions remain volatile, and people are urged to stay informed via reliable channels. Monitor local news, heed the warnings, and especially guard against the expected hazards. It is always better to err on the side of caution when facing unpredictable storms such as these. Emergency precautions should not be overlooked, as conditions are still developing and can escalate rapidly in severity.
In conclusion, with severe weather warnings in place, it is essential for residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols. The effects of the storms could lead to hazardous conditions, resulting in potential injury and property damage. Stay updated on weather alerts and take immediate precautions to ensure safety as the situation develops.
In summary, severe thunderstorms are impacting regions in Virginia and parts of North Carolina, posing significant risks including 70 mph winds and large hail. The National Weather Service has issued warnings and watches to safeguard residents. It is crucial for individuals in these areas to stay alert, follow safety instructions, and report any damage promptly. The situation is evolving, and continued caution is strongly recommended.
Original Source: www.bdtonline.com
