VIRGINIA — The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Virginia under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms on Monday, with damaging wind gusts posing the primary threat and a localized tornado risk possible across northern portions of the state.
Forecasters say a cold front moving eastward into the Mid-Atlantic will interact with a warm, humid air mass to create conditions favorable for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening.
While overall atmospheric instability is expected to remain somewhat limited, forecasters say moderate wind shear and steep low-level lapse rates will be sufficient to support isolated severe storms capable of producing damaging winds.
Northern Virginia could see a slightly higher risk for tornadoes, as an area of enhanced low-level wind shear is expected to develop near a weak surface low moving through the region. The Storm Prediction Center says this setup could result in a localized increase in tornado potential.
The severe weather threat extends across much of the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas, with additional areas of severe weather expected farther west into the Mid-South, southern Plains and central High Plains.
Residents across Virginia are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued Monday.
