Special Weather Statement, NWS Blacksburg, VA

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1000 AM EDT Thu May 2 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure anchored over the southeast U.S. will gradually
drift east and offshore through Friday. A weak cold front will
move into the Appalachians Friday and Saturday, then finally
move east of the area Sunday. High pressure will return to the
area early next week. The cold front will bring an increasing
chance for showers and thunderstorms Friday into the weekend.
Otherwise, warm temperatures will continue for the next few
days.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 1000 AM EDT Thursday...

Existing set of grids still look right on target for expected
weather for the rest of today. Convective temperatures are in
the lower to mid 70s, and this should be realized in most areas
before Noon - setting the stage for widely scattered to
scattered convective redevelopment, initially along/near the
spine of the Blue Ridge where low level convergence will be
maximized.

No changes needed to grids at the present time.

As of 400 AM EDT Thursday...
Another quiet, calm, dry, and rather mild morning across the
area, but perhaps the last one of this type until early next
week. The strong 590dm upper ridge that has been parked over the
southeast U.S. and extending north into the Mid-Atlantic so far
this week will shift east-southeast and off shore through
Friday. Meanwhile, a broad upper trough will remain in the
southwest U.S. with numerous embedded disturbances tracking
northeast from the upper low across TX/AR and then northeast
into the TN/OH valley. The main change with this pattern through
the weekend will be for the front to slide further southeast as
the upper ridge retreats eastward. This will allow for lowering
heights aloft, lower temperatures aloft, hence destabilization,
and also an increase of moisture as southwest surface flow
around the Bermuda high continues.

Today, we should start to see a notable increase in afternoon
convection as the above mentioned changes begin to evolve.
Several of the convective allowing short range models indicate
some rather robust convection developing along the
southern/central Blue Ridge around 18Z, then spreading east-
northeast toward the Piedmont before diminishing. There is also
some indication of a secondary area of development along the
Alleghany front, perhaps a bit later in the afternoon or
evening. Additional upstream disturbances may trigger more
convection later on into the evening/overnight hours before the
activity diminishes. Noting the scattered convection that has
continued to pop all night across eastern KY, eastern TN, and
down into GA/AL even in these early morning hours, this suggests
that convection may become a bit more than just diurnally driven
over the next few days. Models show the development inverted V
soundings this afternoon with plenty of dry air aloft. This
along with a relatively low/lowering freezing level could result
in some of the initial cells producing gusty winds, small hail,
and brief heavy rainfall. Will mention this in the HWO/eHWO. The
good news is that it should be confined to a relatively small
area of the CWA and within a small time frame mainly of mid to
late afternoon, possibly early evening, but expect activity to
dissipate fairly quickly after it moves east of the Blue Ridge.

Temperatures may be a degree or two cooler today as temperatures
aloft fall a degree or two, cloud cover increases, and then
there are showers/thunderstorms in the afternoon. Nonetheless,
it will still be quite warm with mostly 80s across the region,
70s in the mountains. Nighttime temperatures will also remain
well above normal, failing to fall below 60 degrees in many
areas, especially across the Piedmont and lower elevations of
the east, with no more than 50s in the mountains.

/Confidence in Forecast Parameters/
Temperatures - Moderate to High,
Precipitation Probabilities - Moderate,
Winds - Moderate to High,
Thunderstorm Threat - Moderate.

&&

.SHORT TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
As of 215 AM EDT Thursday...

A warm front lifts northeast through the region on Friday with a
weak cold front entering the Ohio Valley. There is also a southeast
coastal disturbance tracking on the outer rings of the departing
upper level ridge. For the immediate area, it looks like we are in
between all three systems with less rain chances than previously
thought. Can not call it a completely dry day, but areal coverage of
showers and thunderstorms have been reduced to a low chance across
the mountains and isolated across the piedmont. Since there will be
less precipitation on Friday, temperatures will warm into the upper
70s to lower 80s across the mountains and mid to upper 80s east.

The front will move from the Ohio Valley into the region Friday
night. This front will produce about of a quarter of an inch of rain
across the mountains and less than a tenth of an inch over the
piedmont. Overnight lows will range in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

A stronger cold front is expected to move from the Midwest Saturday
then over the region Saturday night-Sunday morning. Scattered strong
to severe storms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. With
PWATS running slightly above average, heavy downpours will accompany
prefrontal storms and frontal showers. High temperatures Saturday
will be cooler with a range in the 70s west of the Blue Ride to
lower to mid 80s east. The front is expected to move east of the
area Sunday morning with temperatures returning to normal levels.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 1255 PM EDT Wednesday...

Focus this period will be on departing front Sunday into Sunday
night and how fast it clears. Deterministic models are in good
enough agreement to linger pops around Sunday but clear it out
Sunday night. High pressure at the surface pushes southeast over the
area Monday while upper flow stays somewhat progressive/zonal. This
state changes more to a ridge by Tuesday as a front enters the
northern VA/WV/MD area Tuesday and stalls. Models start to differ on
how far south this front tracks with the GFS a bit slower and
further north than the GFS. Will keep pops below 15 percent Monday
into most of Tuesday with a low chance pop entering north of I-64 by
Tuesday afternoon, them increasing most to chance pops by Wednesday.
Temps will stay above normal this period.

Confidence is average for Sunday into Monday then below for Tuesday-
Wednesday in terms of threat of rain.

&&

.AVIATION /14Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 740 AM EDT Thursday...

VFR conditions will continue to prevail through much of the TAF
valid period, although overall conditions will be less favorable
and trending downward through the TAF valid period.  The upper
ridge centered off the southeast U.S. coast which has been
inhibiting convection across our region the past few days will
retreat to the east-southeast over the next couple of days.
This will allow disturbances emanating from a broad area of low
pressure in the southwest U.S. to help push a weak cold front
closer to the region from the west. This front is expected to be
close enough to the region by afternoon for isolated to
scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop, initially across
the Alleghany Front and along/near the Blue Ridge, then attempt
to spread east during the late afternoon/evening. Current
thinking is that convective coverage may be greater in the west
and across the mountains than earlier anticipated as a result of
outflow boundaries arriving in the western areas from convection
now moving through Ohio and into central/northern WV. Several of
the Hires CAM models seem to be keying on additional development
from these leftover boundaries or MCVs. As a result, have now
added a TEMPO group for thunder at BLF and LWB and included VCTS
at all other TAF sites except for DAN, where it is not clear if
convection will make it that far east before diurnal heating
subsides.

Otherwise, the period will feature BKN-OVC mid/high clouds
mostly AOA 080 outside shower/thunderstorm activity and brief
MVFR BR at LWB, BCB, LYH, and DAN during the 09Z-13Z time frame
Friday morning. Confidence in fog development only a bit higher
than it was today as a result of potential moistening of the
lower atmosphere and ground. Conditions are not ideal for
radiational fog, but the threat is also not absent either.

Winds will be mostly SSE-SSW through the period and somewhat
less than what was observed Wednesday. Speeds generally in the
4-10kt range with a few log end gusts at times. Mostly light
southwest or light and variable winds are expected overnight.

/Confidence Levels in Forecast Parameters/
Ceilings - Moderate to High,
Visibilities - Moderate to High,
Winds - Moderate to High,
Thunderstorm Threat - Low to Moderate.

EXTENDED AVIATION DISCUSSION...

Most areas will maintain VFR conditions Friday into Friday
night, although daytime coverage of showers and storms will
steadily increase with the approach of a cold front.

Sub-VFR conditions will become likely for many locations
Saturday afternoon and night as the cold front crosses the area.
Winds will shift abruptly late Saturday night into Sunday in the
wake of the cold front.

Sunday winds will be gusty from the northwest and most locations
will return to VFR. The exception of will be some upslope
clouds/scattered showers across the southeast West Va
mountains.

Monday VFR conditions and lighter and variable winds are
expected as high pressure builds into the area.

&&

.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...None.
NC...None.
WV...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...RAB
NEAR TERM...RAB/WERT
SHORT TERM...RCS
LONG TERM...RCS/WP
AVIATION...RAB

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
449 AM EDT Thu May 2 2019

NCZ004>006-020-VAZ047-058-059-031100-
Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Yadkin-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
449 AM EDT Thu May 2 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, central Virginia and south central
Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Friday with scattered to
numerous thunderstorms on Saturday, a few of which could become
severe. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall
leading to minor flooding are expected to be the main hazards
associated with these thunderstorms, primarily during the afternoon
and evening hours.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected today or Friday, but may be needed
Saturday.

NCZ001>003-018-019-VAZ009-012>017-022>024-032>035-043>046-031100-
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Watauga-Wilkes-Smyth-Wythe-Pulaski-
Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-
Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-
449 AM EDT Thu May 2 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia,
southwest Virginia and west central Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop early this afternoon
along and near the Blue Ridge, then move east into the Piedmont and
diminish during the evening. A few of these could become strong and
one or two of these could become marginally severe with quarter-
sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts being the main hazard. Locally heavy
rainfall is also possible with the stronger storms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Friday with scattered to
numerous thunderstorms on Saturday, a few of which could become
severe. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall
leading to minor flooding are expected to be the main hazards
associated with these thunderstorms, primarily during the afternoon
and evening hours.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected today or Friday, but may be needed
Saturday.

VAZ007-010-011-018>020-WVZ042>044-507-508-031100-
Tazewell-Bland-Giles-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
449 AM EDT Thu May 2 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia, west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Friday with scattered to
numerous thunderstorms on Saturday, a few of which could become
severe. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall
leading to minor flooding are expected to be the main hazards
associated with these thunderstorms, primarily during the afternoon
and evening hours.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected today or Friday, but may be needed
Saturday.

RAB

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
1204 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

NCZ001-002-VAZ015-021630-
Ashe-Alleghany-Grayson-
1204 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT ASHE, ALLEGHANY AND GRAYSON
COUNTIES...

Until 1230 PM EDT.

At 1202 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Scottville,
moving northeast at 20 mph.

Winds in excess of 30 mph are possible with this storm. Heavy
rainfall is possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Sparta...
Independence...
Laurel Springs...
Ennice...
and Baywood.

LAT...LON 3650 8138 3670 8107 3653 8092 3650 8093
      3643 8108 3643 8111 3642 8113 3642 8115
      3643 8117 3640 8119 3637 8124 3636 8128
TIME...MOT...LOC 1602Z 241DEG 16KT 3647 8124

VFJ

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
1221 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

NCZ001-021645-
Ashe-
1221 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT ASHE COUNTY...

Until 1245 PM EDT.

At 1220 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Othello,
moving east at 15 mph.

Half inch hail is possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Jefferson...
West Jefferson...
Laurel Springs...
Glendale Springs...
and Idlewild.

LAT...LON 3652 8134 3650 8132 3648 8132 3648 8131
      3642 8126 3640 8127 3639 8125 3638 8124
      3636 8126 3636 8128 3637 8132 3637 8136
      3632 8136 3631 8148 3640 8153
TIME...MOT...LOC 1620Z 253DEG 15KT 3637 8142

VFJ

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
1232 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

VAZ015-016-021715-
Grayson-Carroll-
1232 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT GRAYSON AND CARROLL COUNTIES...

Until 115 PM EDT.

At 1231 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Fries, moving
east at 20 mph.

Half inch hail is possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Galax...
Hillsville...
Fries...
Fancy Gap...
and Byllesby.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 3668 8104 3676 8108 3684 8088 3685 8081
      3690 8066 3667 8056
TIME...MOT...LOC 1631Z 255DEG 18KT 3673 8096

VFJ

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
106 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

VAZ033-034-021730-
Franklin-Bedford-
106 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT FRANKLIN AND BEDFORD COUNTIES...

Until 130 PM EDT.

At 106 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Burnt Chimney,
moving northeast at 5 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Moneta...
Northwest Smith Mountain Lake...
Goodview...
and Chamblissburg.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 3710 7986 3716 7990 3731 7974 3718 7964
TIME...MOT...LOC 1706Z 239DEG 6KT 3717 7983

VFJ

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
110 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

NCZ001-002-018-019-021815-
Ashe-Wilkes-Watauga-Alleghany-
110 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...AN AREA OF THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY WILL AFFECT THE HIGH COUNTRY
OF NORTH CAROLINA MAINLY ALONG THE BLUE RIDGE....

Until 215 PM EDT.

At 108 PM EDT, radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rain located
along a line extending from Sparta to Grandfather Mountain State
Park. The storms are nearly stationary.

Winds in excess of 30 mph are possible with these storms, as well as
torrential rains.

Locations impacted include...
Boone...
Sparta...
West Jefferson...
Blowing Rock...
and Beech Mountain.

This includes The following Location Appalachian State University.

Torrential rainfall may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.

When it is safe to do so, please send your reports of hail of any
size, as well as reports of any wind damage, including downed trees
or large limbs, or flooding to the National Weather Service by
calling toll free at 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Reports and
pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service
Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.

LAT...LON 3636 8153 3657 8120 3653 8095 3629 8137
      3612 8170 3611 8181 3616 8183 3619 8186
      3619 8188 3621 8190
TIME...MOT...LOC 1708Z 090DEG 3KT 3650 8112 3611 8181

WP

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
121 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

VAZ012-013-016-017-021815-
Pulaski-Wythe-Floyd-Carroll-
121 PM EDT Thu May 2 2019

...AN AREA OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT PULASKI, WYTHE,
FLOYD AND CARROLL COUNTIES...

Until 215 PM EDT.

At 120 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were clustered near Hillsville,
moving northeast at 5 mph.

Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Hillsville...
Indian Valley...
Willis...
Patterson...
and Dugspur.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

LAT...LON 3672 8086 3681 8095 3685 8091 3691 8076
      3697 8064 3698 8052 3694 8040 3679 8053
TIME...MOT...LOC 1720Z 239DEG 6KT 3682 8072

VFJ