VIRGINIA — Virginia is included in a slight risk area for severe thunderstorms Thursday as a strong weather system moves across the eastern United States, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.
Forecasters say isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of the Commonwealth during the afternoon and evening hours. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary threat.
A powerful upper-level storm system and an associated cold front are expected to move through the region Thursday. Ahead of the front, warm and humid conditions will help fuel thunderstorm development across Virginia and neighboring states.
Meteorologists expect scattered thunderstorms to develop along the advancing cold front by mid-afternoon. While the strongest low-level winds are forecast to weaken as the system reaches Virginia, atmospheric conditions will still support organized thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds.
Storms are expected to move eastward through the afternoon and evening, with the potential for strong wind gusts that could down trees and power lines and create hazardous travel conditions.
Virginia is part of a broader slight-risk area stretching from central Kentucky into the Mid-Atlantic. Forecasters will continue to monitor the system, and residents are encouraged to stay informed of updated forecasts and be prepared to receive weather warnings if severe storms develop.
