The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an urgent severe thunderstorm warning on Thursday afternoon, affecting approximately 20,000 residents across southern Virginia. The advisory was released in response to a fast-moving storm system capable of producing damaging winds and hail. The affected areas included several towns in Halifax and Charlotte counties.
Newsweek, citing information from NWS meteorologist William Perry, reported that the storms were developing ahead of a descending cold front. The warning advised people to take immediate safety precautions as the storm advanced, with alerts indicating potential threats to property, visibility, and localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.
Nws Alert Issued Ahead of Approaching Cold Front
The first warning was issued just before 4:45 p.m. EDT by the NWS office in Blacksburg. It targeted south central Charlotte County and Southern Halifax County. The storm was developing ahead of a cold front descending through the region, a pattern meteorologists say can lead to rapid intensification.
We can have some damaging winds if we get enough instability ahead of the front – Said NWS meteorologist William Perry.
It can happen any time of year, especially the spring and fall.
At the time of the warning, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cluster Springs, or near Turbeville, and was moving east at 35 mph. It was producing wind gusts of up to 60 mph and hail measuring up to one inch in diameter.
Warning Affects Multiple Towns and Communities
The initial warning specifically included the towns of South Boston, Halifax, Turbeville, Ingram, Cluster Springs, Elmo, and Alton—all situated in south central Virginia. These areas were placed under a severe thunderstorm threat from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., though the alert was later lifted early at 5:22 p.m.
Shortly after, a new warning was issued at 5:17 p.m., covering areas further south. According to the NWS, a storm was then located over Staunton River State Park, near Redoak, and also moving east at 35 mph.
Damaging Winds, Hail, and Reduced Visibility Expected
The NWS warning urged residents to take cover without delay:
Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.
In its alert, the NWS Blacksburg office further warned:
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning.
The storm’s intensity posed risks to vehicles, roofs, siding, and trees. In affected areas, people were urged to avoid travel unless necessary and to remain informed through local emergency channels.
Broader Thunderstorm Risk Across Eastern u.s.
Looking ahead, NWS meteorologists warned of an ongoing thunderstorm threat through the weekend. In its Thursday morning outlook, the agency noted:
A few strong to severe thunderstorms [are] possible along a reinforcing cold front Friday and Saturday for the Ohio/Tennessee Valleys to New England.
This expanded forecast indicates that eastern regions of the U.S., from the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys to New England, could experience unstable conditions over the coming days, especially where cold fronts interact with moist, unstable air masses.
