Alert archive / Virginia / Tornado Warnings in 2011

Tornado Warning 39, NWS Blacksburg, VA

April 27, 20115 counties in Virginia

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this tornado warning at Apr 27, 2011, 11:12 PM EDT for 5 counties in Virginia. It was in force for 48 min. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 27, 2011, 11:12 PM EDT (03:12 UTC)
Expired
Apr 28, 2011, 12:00 AM EDT
In force
48 min
Issued by
NWS Blacksburg, VA
Area
Storm-based polygon

Counties Bland County, VA, Grayson County, VA, Smyth County, VA, Tazewell County, VA, Wythe County, VA

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 94 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 03:13 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 27, 11:17 PM EDTHAIL 1Chilhowie, VA
Apr 27, 11:17 PM EDTHAIL 1.751 Sse Chilhowie, VA
Apr 28, 12:05 AM EDTTSTM WND DMGBastian, VAPOWER LINE BLOWN DOWN THAT TOOK OUT POWER FOR MOST OF THE COUNTY

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 27, 5:44 PM EDTTornado WatchSPC7 hr
Apr 27, 6:15 PM EDTTornado WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 00:00Z, 3.2 hours before the alert went out and 154 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2011-04-28Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2272 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2011-04-28The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 233 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2272 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
766 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
51 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
233 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
271 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
3.5
Supercell composite
14.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

088 
WFUS51 KRNK 280312
TORRNK
VAC021-077-173-185-197-280400-
/O.NEW.KRNK.TO.W.0039.110428T0312Z-110428T0400Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1112 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  SMYTH COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
  SOUTHEASTERN TAZEWELL COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
  WYTHE COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
  NORTHWESTERN GRAYSON COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
  BLAND COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

* UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT.

* AT 1108 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
  SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 10 MILES
  SOUTHWEST OF CHILHOWIE...OR 9 MILES EAST OF ABINGDON...MOVING
  NORTHEAST AT 65 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  ADWOLF...
  MARION...
  ATKINS...
  MARION WYTHEVILLE...
  RURAL RETREAT...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
GOLFBALL SIZE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO...PLEASE RELAY YOUR SEVERE WEATHER REPORTS
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE AT...1...8 6
6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

&&

LAT...LON 3722 8108 3686 8081 3681 8101 3682 8103
      3679 8104 3663 8161 3663 8162 3679 8170
      3683 8175 3686 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 0312Z 241DEG 58KT 3672 8174

$$

16
3 follow-up statements
275 
WWUS51 KRNK 280336
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1136 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

VAC021-077-173-185-197-280400-
/O.CON.KRNK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-110428T0400Z/
SMYTH VA-TAZEWELL VA-WYTHE VA-GRAYSON VA-BLAND VA-
1136 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN GRAYSON...WYTHE...SOUTHEASTERN TAZEWELL AND SMYTH...AND 
COUNTIESBLAND COUNTY...

AT 1136 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A TORNADO.  THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR MARION
WYTHEVILLE...OR NEAR RURAL RETREAT...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  MARION WYTHEVILLE...
  RURAL RETREAT...
  FAVONIA...
  BLAND...
  MAX MEADOWS...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

HEAVY RAINFALL MAY OBSCURE THIS TORNADO. TAKE COVER NOW! IF YOU WAIT
TO SEE OR HEAR IT COMING...IT MAY BE TOO LATE TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING
FOR NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA AND
SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA. A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL
100 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING FOR SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA.

&&

LAT...LON 3722 8108 3686 8081 3681 8101 3682 8103
      3679 8104 3663 8161 3663 8162 3679 8170
      3683 8175 3686 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 0337Z 241DEG 58KT 3694 8133

$$
763 
WWUS51 KRNK 280349
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1149 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

VAC021-077-173-185-197-280400-
/O.CON.KRNK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-110428T0400Z/
SMYTH VA-TAZEWELL VA-WYTHE VA-GRAYSON VA-BLAND VA-
1149 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN GRAYSON...WYTHE...SOUTHEASTERN TAZEWELL AND SMYTH...AND 
BLAND COUNTY...

AT 1145 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A TORNADO.  THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR CERES...MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 60 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  FAVONIA...
  BLAND...
  HICKSVILLE...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING
FOR NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA AND
SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA. A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL
100 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING FOR SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA.

&&

LAT...LON 3722 8108 3686 8081 3681 8101 3682 8103
      3679 8104 3663 8161 3663 8162 3679 8170
      3683 8175 3686 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 0349Z 234DEG 50KT 3703 8122

$$
110 
WWUS51 KRNK 280358
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1158 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

VAC021-077-173-185-197-280408-
/O.EXP.KRNK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-110428T0400Z/
SMYTH VA-TAZEWELL VA-WYTHE VA-GRAYSON VA-BLAND VA-
1158 PM EDT WED APR 27 2011

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN 
GRAYSON...WYTHE...SOUTHEASTERN TAZEWELL AND SMYTH...AND BLAND COUNTY 
EXPIRES AT MIDNIGHT EDT...

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG AT...1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING
FOR NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA AND
SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA. A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL
100 AM EDT THURSDAY MORNING FOR SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA.

LAT...LON 3722 8108 3686 8081 3681 8101 3682 8103
      3679 8104 3663 8161 3663 8162 3679 8170
      3683 8175 3686 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 0358Z 234DEG 50KT 3710 8109

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Blacksburg, VA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 27, 8:01 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKHalifax, Pittsylvania, City of Danville44 min
Apr 27, 8:09 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKAppomattox, Buckingham, Campbell66 min
Apr 27, 8:32 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKCampbell, Charlotte, Halifax, Pittsylvania43 min
Apr 27, 8:45 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKHalifax, Pittsylvania, City of Danville45 min
Apr 27, 9:06 PM EDTFlash Flood WatchRNKAlleghany, Amherst, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt and 21 more13 hr
Apr 27, 9:11 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKCharlotte, Halifax34 min
Apr 27, 10:12 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Smyth, Tazewell48 min
Apr 27, 10:26 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Smyth, Tazewell, Wythe49 min
Apr 27, 10:39 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKBland, Smyth, Tazewell6 hr
Apr 27, 11:09 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Giles, Tazewell51 min
Apr 27, 11:19 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKCarroll, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe and 2 more6 hr
Apr 27, 11:53 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Tazewell, Wythe52 min
Apr 27, 11:56 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKAlleghany, City of Covington49 min
Apr 28, 12:01 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Wythe44 min
Apr 28, 12:40 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBath35 min
Apr 28, 12:45 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, City of Radford45 min
Apr 28, 12:48 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKAlleghany, Bath, Craig, Giles, City of Covington6 hr
Apr 28, 1:03 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKAlleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, City of Covington57 min
Apr 28, 1:12 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Smyth, Tazewell, Wythe33 min
Apr 28, 1:19 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKCraig, Giles, Montgomery, Roanoke26 min
Apr 28, 1:20 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Smyth, Tazewell, Wythe25 min
Apr 28, 1:28 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKAlleghany, Botetourt, Rockbridge, City of Lexington21 min
Apr 28, 1:34 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKAlleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Rockbridge, City of Lexington41 min
Apr 28, 1:39 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKBland3 hr
Apr 28, 1:43 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKAlleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Montgomery19 min
Apr 28, 1:47 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKBland, Giles, Tazewell, Wythe9 min
Apr 28, 2:17 AM EDTTornado WarningRNKCraig, Giles28 min
Apr 28, 3:22 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKAlleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Montgomery, Roanoke and 2 more4 hr
Apr 28, 4:17 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKCharlotte, Halifax, Pittsylvania, City of Danville30 min
Apr 28, 5:32 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningRNKCarroll, Floyd, Grayson, Montgomery, City of Galax3 hr
Apr 28, 5:51 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKCarroll, Floyd, Franklin, Patrick54 min
Apr 28, 6:40 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAmherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, City of Buena Vista and 1 more65 min
Apr 28, 6:46 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKPatrick29 min
Apr 28, 6:47 AM EDTAreal Flood WarningRNKAlleghany, Bath, Craig, City of Covington6 hr
Apr 28, 6:48 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKCarroll, Henry, Patrick24 min
Apr 28, 7:13 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKPatrick32 min
Apr 28, 7:44 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAppomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, City of Lynchburg76 min
Apr 28, 7:48 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKCampbell72 min
Apr 28, 8:09 AM EDTAreal Flood WarningRNKAlleghany, Botetourt, Craig10 hr
Apr 28, 8:56 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAppomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, City of Lynchburg64 min
Apr 28, 10:06 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKHalifax39 min
Apr 28, 12:38 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKCity of Danville52 min
Apr 28, 12:44 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningRNKBath6 hr
Apr 28, 6:33 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningRNKAlleghany, Botetourt, Craig6 hr

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Virginia, 2011Every tornado warning in 2011Tornadoes in 2011

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.