Alert archive / Virginia / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2012

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 73, NWS Blacksburg, VA

May 1, 20124 counties in Virginia

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 1, 2012, 2:27 PM EDT for 4 counties in Virginia. It was in force for 63 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: May 1, 2012, 2:27 PM EDT (18:27 UTC)
Expired: May 1, 2012, 3:30 PM EDT
In force: 63 min
Issued by: NWS Blacksburg, VA
Area: Storm-based polygon

Counties Bedford County, VA, Floyd County, VA, Franklin County, VA, Pittsylvania County, VA

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 47 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:29 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

Time	Report	Where	Remark
May 1, 2:35 PM EDT	HAIL 0.5	1 Wsw Rocky Mount, VA	DIME SIZE HAIL AT THE ROCKY MOUNT POST OFFICE
May 1, 2:38 PM EDT	HAIL 0.5	1 E Rocky Mount, VA	DIME SIZE HAIL AT THE ROCKY MOUNT WASTE WATER PLANT
May 1, 2:40 PM EDT	HAIL 1	5 Se Rocky Mount, VA

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

The nearest sounding before it

Roanoke, VA (KRNK), launched 12:00Z, 6.5 hours before the alert went out and 38 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-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

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: 660 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 496 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 39 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 167 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 213 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.4
Supercell composite: 3.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

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

428 
WUUS51 KRNK 011827
SVRRNK
VAC019-063-067-143-011930-
/O.NEW.KRNK.SV.W.0073.120501T1827Z-120501T1930Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
227 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
  WESTERN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA
  CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA
  NORTHEASTERN FLOYD COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
  SOUTHERN BEDFORD COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA

* UNTIL 330 PM EDT.

* AT 224 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
  SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ONE INCH DIAMETER HAIL...
  AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.  THIS STORM WAS LOCATED
  NEAR CALLAWAY...OR NEAR COPPER HILL...AND MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  CALLAWAY...
  ROCKY MOUNT...
  PENHOOK...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IF ON OR NEAR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE...GET OUT OF THE WATER AND MOVE 
INDOORS OR INSIDE A VEHICLE. REMEMBER...LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE OUT TO 
15 MILES FROM THE PARENT THUNDERSTORM. IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER...YOU 
ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. MOVE TO SAFE SHELTER 
NOW. DON'T BE CAUGHT ON THE WATER IN A THUNDERSTORM!

WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO...PLEASE SEND YOUR REPORTS OF QUARTER OR
LARGER SIZED HAIL...AS WELL AS WIND DAMAGE...INCLUDING TREES OR LARGE
LIMBS DOWNED BY CALLING THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOLL FREE AT...
1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

&&

LAT...LON 3684 7965 3686 7964 3684 7966 3697 8015
      3712 8015 3712 7955 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1827Z 280DEG 24KT 3702 8006

$$

4 follow-up statements

255 
WWUS51 KRNK 011840
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
240 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

VAC019-063-067-143-011930-
/O.CON.KRNK.SV.W.0073.000000T0000Z-120501T1930Z/
PITTSYLVANIA VA-FRANKLIN VA-FLOYD VA-BEDFORD VA-
240 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM EDT
FOR WESTERN PITTSYLVANIA...CENTRAL FRANKLIN...NORTHEASTERN FLOYD AND
SOUTHERN BEDFORD COUNTIES...

AT 238 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GOLF BALL SIZE
HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.  THIS STORM WAS
LOCATED NEAR ROCKY MOUNT...MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  ROCKY MOUNT...
  SONTAG...
  WESTERN SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE...
  SOUTHERN SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE...
  PENHOOK...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG AT...1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4...WHEN YOU CAN
DO SO SAFELY. ONCE AGAIN THAT NUMBER IS 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

&&

LAT...LON 3684 7965 3686 7964 3684 7966 3697 8015
      3712 8015 3712 7955 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1840Z 280DEG 24KT 3699 7983

$$

786 
WWUS51 KRNK 011847
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
247 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

VAC019-063-011857-
/O.CAN.KRNK.SV.W.0073.000000T0000Z-120501T1930Z/
FLOYD VA-BEDFORD VA-
247 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN FLOYD AND
SOUTHERN BEDFORD COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

&&

LAT...LON 3683 7964 3686 7964 3684 7966 3693 7997
      3712 7995 3709 7961 3708 7962 3706 7959
      3704 7960 3703 7957 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1847Z 280DEG 24KT 3694 7980

$$

VAC067-143-011930-
/O.CON.KRNK.SV.W.0073.000000T0000Z-120501T1930Z/
PITTSYLVANIA VA-FRANKLIN VA-
247 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM EDT
FOR WESTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND EASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES...

AT 243 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GOLF BALL SIZE
HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.  THIS STORM WAS
LOCATED NEAR SONTAG...OR NEAR ROCKY MOUNT...MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  ROCKY MOUNT...
  SONTAG...
  PENHOOK...
  SAGO...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH...PREPARE
IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD
TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...
PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG AT...1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4...WHEN YOU CAN
DO SO SAFELY. ONCE AGAIN THAT NUMBER IS 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

&&

LAT...LON 3683 7964 3686 7964 3684 7966 3693 7997
      3712 7995 3709 7961 3708 7962 3706 7959
      3704 7960 3703 7957 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1847Z 280DEG 24KT 3694 7980

$$

164 
WWUS51 KRNK 011906
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
306 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

VAC067-143-011930-
/O.CON.KRNK.SV.W.0073.000000T0000Z-120501T1930Z/
PITTSYLVANIA VA-FRANKLIN VA-
306 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM EDT
FOR WESTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND EASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES...

AT 301 PM EDT...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS REPORTED CAPABLE OF
PRODUCING GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60
MPH.  THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR SAGO...OR 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
PENHOOK...MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  PENHOOK...
  SAGO...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IF ON OR NEAR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE...GET OUT OF THE WATER AND MOVE 
INDOORS OR INSIDE A VEHICLE. REMEMBER...LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE OUT TO 
15 MILES FROM THE PARENT THUNDERSTORM. IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER...YOU 
ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. MOVE TO SAFE SHELTER 
NOW. DON'T BE CAUGHT ON THE WATER IN A THUNDERSTORM!

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG AT...1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4...WHEN YOU CAN
DO SO SAFELY. ONCE AGAIN THAT NUMBER IS 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4.

&&

LAT...LON 3683 7964 3686 7964 3684 7966 3693 7997
      3709 7962 3708 7962 3706 7959 3704 7960
      3703 7957 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1906Z 282DEG 24KT 3691 7964

$$

001 
WWUS51 KRNK 011930
SVSRNK

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
330 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

VAC067-143-011940-
/O.EXP.KRNK.SV.W.0073.000000T0000Z-120501T1930Z/
PITTSYLVANIA VA-FRANKLIN VA-
330 PM EDT TUE MAY 1 2012

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR WESTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND
EASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES EXPIRES AT 330 PM EDT...

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM THAT PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS MOVED OUT OF 
THE AREA. THUS THE WARNING WILL BE ALLOWED TO EXPIRE.

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

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM EDT
TUESDAY EVENING FOR NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHWESTERN
VIRGINIA.

LAT...LON 3683 7964 3686 7964 3684 7966 3693 7997
      3709 7962 3708 7962 3706 7959 3704 7960
      3703 7957 3682 7960
TIME...MOT...LOC 1906Z 282DEG 24KT 3691 7964

$$

The office that day

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

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Apr 30, 9:59 PM EDT	Dense Fog Advisory	RNK	Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Roanoke, Rockbridge and 5 more	9 hr
Apr 30, 11:19 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Henry, City of Martinsville	56 min
May 1, 2:57 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Alleghany, City of Covington	63 min
May 1, 2:58 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Alleghany, Bath, City of Covington	62 min
May 1, 3:44 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Bath	61 min
May 1, 4:45 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Amherst, City of Buena Vista, City of Lexington	60 min
May 1, 4:49 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Bedford, City of Lynchburg	56 min
May 1, 5:46 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Franklin, Pittsylvania	59 min
May 1, 12:34 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Tazewell	41 min
May 1, 12:39 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Bland	51 min
May 1, 1:52 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Floyd, Montgomery, Pulaski, City of Radford	53 min
May 1, 2:12 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Pittsylvania	33 min
May 1, 2:19 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Franklin	26 min
May 1, 3:02 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RNK	Franklin, Henry, Pittsylvania	58 min
May 1, 3:14 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RNK	Halifax, Pittsylvania	76 min
May 1, 3:28 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RNK	Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania, City of Martinsville	62 min
May 1, 3:49 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Tazewell	56 min
May 1, 3:54 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RNK	Charlotte, Halifax, Pittsylvania	66 min
May 1, 5:50 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Patrick	55 min
May 1, 6:13 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Patrick	32 min
May 1, 6:18 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RNK	City of Martinsville	35 min
May 1, 7:06 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RNK	Henry	54 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Virginia, 2012 Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2012

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.