Alert archive / Virginia / Tornado Warnings in 2021

Tornado Warning 23, NWS Baltimore/Washington

July 29, 2021Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, City of Fredericksburg, Virginia

NWS Baltimore/Washington issued this tornado warning at Jul 29, 2021, 5:23 PM EDT for Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was in force for 25 min. 20 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
Jul 29, 2021, 5:23 PM EDT (21:23 UTC)
Expired
Jul 29, 2021, 5:48 PM EDT
In force
25 min
Issued by
NWS Baltimore/Washington
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
2.0 in

Counties City of Fredericksburg, VA, Spotsylvania County, VA, Stafford County, VA

The radar

The Sterling radar (KLWX), 78 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:25 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
Jul 29, 5:23 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGHolly Corner, VANUMEROUS TREES DOWN ALONG VA-655 HOLLY CORNER ROAD.
Jul 29, 5:25 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Nw Falmouth, VA5 TREES DOWN ALONG MERLIN WAY
Jul 29, 5:25 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG3 Nw Falmouth, VATREE REPORTED DOWN ON FLETCHER DRIVE.
Jul 29, 5:25 PM EDTHAIL 1.752 Ene Holly Corner, VA
Jul 29, 5:25 PM EDTHAIL 1.752 Nw Falmouth, VA
Jul 29, 5:27 PM EDTHAIL 2.252 Wnw Falmouth, VA
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG1 Wnw Falmouth, VATREE DEBRIS BLOCKS THE RAMP OF I-95 TO US-17.
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Nnw Falmouth, VASEVERAL TREES SNAPPED ALONG TRUSLOW ROAD.
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Ssw Holly Corner, VAA TREE BLEW DOWN IN THE 100 BLOCK OF WEST RIVER BEND ROAD.
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Ssw Holly Corner, VATREE DOWN
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGFalmouth, VA5-10 TREES DOWN ALONG ROUTE 1 NEAR THE CROSSING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER.
Jul 29, 5:28 PM EDTHAIL 11 Ne Brookfield, VANUMEROUS REPORTS OF QUARTER SIZE HAIL IN THE FALMOUTH AREA
Jul 29, 5:31 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Spring Valley, VATREE DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 1050 NORTH AT MT. PLEASANT BLVD
Jul 29, 5:31 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sw Spring Valley, VATREES BLEW DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US-1 CAMBRIDGE STREET AND CARTER STREET.
Jul 29, 5:31 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGSpring Valley, VA3 TREES DOWN ON HOMES ON THE 800 BLOCK OF SPRING VALLEY DRIVE.
Jul 29, 5:35 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGFredericksburg, VA5 TREES DOWN WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. ABOUT 1 FOOT DIAMETER.
Jul 29, 5:38 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG4 Sse Fredericksburg, VAA TREE BLEW DOWN ON VA-636 MINE ROAD NEAR FIRST IRON BOULEVARD.
Jul 29, 5:38 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG4 Sse Fredericksburg, VATREE DOWN
Jul 29, 5:39 PM EDTHAIL 0.881 Ene Brookfield, VA
Jul 29, 5:41 PM EDTFUNNEL CLOUD4 Sse Fredericksburg, VASPOTTER VIEWED FUNNEL CLOUD LOOKING EASTWARD TOWARD THE STORM FROM SMITH STATION ROAD.

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
Jul 29, 3:00 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Washington/Dulle, VA (KIAD), launched 12:00Z, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 75 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, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-07-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 269 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-07-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 62 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
269 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-91 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
893 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
39 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
62 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
62 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

027 
WFUS51 KLWX 292123
TORLWX
VAC177-179-630-292200-
/O.NEW.KLWX.TO.W.0023.210729T2123Z-210729T2200Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
523 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southwestern Stafford County in northern Virginia...
  The City of Fredericksburg in central Virginia...
  Northeastern Spotsylvania County in central Virginia...

* Until 600 PM EDT.
    
* At 523 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Fredericksburg, moving southeast at 35 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...For those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown, 
           flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur. 
           Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is 
           likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Fredericksburg around 530 PM EDT.
  Massaponax around 540 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Falmouth, White Oak, Glendie, Brookfield, Holly Corner and Spring
Valley.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3835 7761 3841 7755 3828 7734 3826 7734
      3825 7733 3824 7733 3825 7735 3824 7736
      3824 7737 3813 7749
TIME...MOT...LOC 2123Z 319DEG 30KT 3836 7755 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...2.00IN

$$

DHOF
3 follow-up statements
073 
WWUS51 KLWX 292133
SVSLWX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
533 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

VAC177-179-630-292200-
/O.CON.KLWX.TO.W.0023.000000T0000Z-210729T2200Z/
Stafford VA-City of Fredericksburg VA-Spotsylvania VA-
533 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM EDT FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL STAFFORD AND NORTHEASTERN SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTIES AND THE CITY
OF FREDERICKSBURG...
    
At 532 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Fredericksburg, moving southeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and two inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...For those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown, flying 
         debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. 
         Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur. Mobile 
         homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is likely.

Other locations include... Falmouth, White Oak, Brookfield and 
Spring Valley.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3828 7756 3838 7749 3828 7734 3826 7734
      3825 7733 3824 7733 3825 7735 3824 7736
      3824 7737 3813 7749
TIME...MOT...LOC 2132Z 319DEG 30KT 3830 7748 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...2.00IN

$$

DHOF
549 
WWUS51 KLWX 292140 RRA
SVSLWX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
540 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

VAC630-292150-
/O.CAN.KLWX.TO.W.0023.000000T0000Z-210729T2200Z/
City of Fredericksburg VA-
540 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR THE CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG IS CANCELLED...
    
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
central and northern Virginia.

LAT...LON 3824 7752 3828 7747 3827 7746 3829 7745
      3830 7744 3828 7734 3826 7734 3825 7733
      3825 7735 3824 7736 3824 7737 3813 7749
TIME...MOT...LOC 2140Z 319DEG 30KT 3825 7742 

$$

VAC177-179-292200-
/O.CON.KLWX.TO.W.0023.000000T0000Z-210729T2200Z/
Stafford VA-Spotsylvania VA-
540 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM EDT FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL STAFFORD AND EAST CENTRAL SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTIES...
    
At 540 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Fredericksburg, moving southeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and two inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...For those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown, flying 
         debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. 
         Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur. Mobile 
         homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is likely.

Locations impacted include...
Fredericksburg.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3824 7752 3828 7747 3827 7746 3829 7745
      3830 7744 3828 7734 3826 7734 3825 7733
      3825 7735 3824 7736 3824 7737 3813 7749
TIME...MOT...LOC 2140Z 319DEG 30KT 3825 7742 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...2.00IN

$$

DHOF
665 
WWUS51 KLWX 292148
SVSLWX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
548 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

VAC177-179-292158-
/O.CAN.KLWX.TO.W.0023.000000T0000Z-210729T2200Z/
Stafford VA-Spotsylvania VA-
548 PM EDT Thu Jul 29 2021

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL STAFFORD AND EAST CENTRAL
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
        
The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
central and northern Virginia.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
Sterling Virginia.

LAT...LON 3824 7752 3828 7747 3827 7746 3829 7745
      3830 7744 3828 7734 3826 7734 3825 7733
      3825 7735 3824 7736 3824 7737 3813 7749
TIME...MOT...LOC 2147Z 319DEG 30KT 3820 7736 

$$

DHOF

The office that day

Everything else NWS Baltimore/Washington issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 28, 8:19 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX75 min
Jul 28, 9:48 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXArlington, Fairfax, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church42 min
Jul 28, 9:55 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX95 min
Jul 28, 10:11 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXFairfax, City of Fairfax49 min
Jul 28, 10:30 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXArlington, Fairfax, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church45 min
Jul 28, 10:46 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAlbemarle29 min
Jul 28, 11:04 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX36 min
Jul 28, 11:11 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAlbemarle18 min
Jul 28, 11:39 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX45 min
Jul 29, 12:18 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX57 min
Jul 29, 1:18 AM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXAlbemarle, Nelson3 hr
Jul 29, 3:17 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryLWX44 hr
Jul 29, 3:17 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryLWX44 hr
Jul 29, 4:14 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX109 min
Jul 29, 4:30 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX75 min
Jul 29, 4:45 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXFauquier, Prince William, Stafford, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park45 min
Jul 29, 4:58 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX66 min
Jul 29, 4:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXFauquier, King George, Prince William, Stafford46 min
Jul 29, 5:18 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX117 min
Jul 29, 5:21 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXKing George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, City of Fredericksburg24 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Virginia, 2021Every tornado warning in 2021Tornadoes in 2021

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.