Severe thunderstorm warnings across eastern and central Virginia
On Monday, May 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several counties in Central Virginia, with dangerous conditions extending into the evening. As of 7:15 p.m. EDT, Middlesex, King and Queen, Northumberland, Richmond (County), King William, Essex, and Lancaster counties were all under immediate threat from damaging storms, while Sussex County remained under warning until 7:30 p.m. EDT.
These fast-moving thunderstorms are capable of producing winds over 60 mph (97 km/h), hail, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Local residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter indoors, particularly in sturdy structures away from windows and doors.
Severe thunderstorm watch extended until 9 p.m.
A broader severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 9 p.m. EDT for a large portion of Central Virginia, including both rural counties and urban areas like the City of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights. This extended alert affects over 30 counties, such as:
Amelia, Brunswick, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, and many more.
High humidity, unstable air masses, and a passing cold front are combining to create ideal conditions for severe convection, which may result in sudden downpours, flash flooding, and localized wind damage throughout the region.
