Alert archive / North Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 2, NWS Wakefield, VA

March 16, 20264 counties in North Carolina

NWS Wakefield, VA issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Mar 16, 2026, 2:32 PM EDT for 4 counties in North Carolina. It was in force for 43 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 16, 2026, 2:32 PM EDT (18:32 UTC)
Expired
Mar 16, 2026, 3:15 PM EDT
In force
43 min
Issued by
NWS Wakefield, VA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Possible
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Bertie County, NC, Chowan County, NC, Hertford County, NC, Northampton County, NC

The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 82 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:31 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.

The watch it was issued in

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

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Mar 16, 10:52 AM EDTTornado WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Newport, NC (KMHX), launched 12:00Z, 6.5 hours before the alert went out and 163 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, Newport, NC at 12:00Z on 2026-03-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2 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, Newport, NC at 12:00Z on 2026-03-16The 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
2 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-210 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1180 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
36 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
233 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
190 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Mar 16, 2:04 PM EDT, 28 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 16, 2:04 PM EDT, 28 minutes before
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Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 16, 10:53 AM EDT, 3 hours 39 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

NCZ012>014-030-031-VAZ048-060>062-064>069-075>090-092-093-096-
509>525-171500-
Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Bertie-Chowan-Fluvanna-Prince Edward-
Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia-
Powhatan-Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland-Lancaster-Brunswick-
Dinwiddie-Prince George (including Hopewell and Petersburg)-
Charles City-New Kent-Gloucester-Middlesex-Mathews-Greensville-
Sussex-Surry-James City-Southampton-Isle of Wight-Suffolk-
Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover-Eastern Hanover-
Western Chesterfield-Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)-
Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico-
Western King William-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen-
Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-York-Newport News-
Hampton/Poquoson-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina,
central Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north
central Virginia, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

NCZ015>017-032-102-VAZ095-097-098-171500-
Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-
Norfolk/Portsmouth-Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina and
southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

MDZ021>025-VAZ099-100-171500-
Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-
Accomack-Northampton-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM
EDT TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, eastern
Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 16, 9:31 AM EDT, 5 hours 1 minute before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
931 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

NCZ012-VAZ080>083-087>089-092-512-514>516-161415-
Northampton NC-Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond) VA-
Surry VA-Dinwiddie VA-Southampton VA-Eastern Henrico VA-
Greensville VA-Eastern Hanover VA-Charles City VA-New Kent VA-
Prince George VA-Sussex VA-
Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights) VA-
931 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN NORTHAMPTON...
GREENSVILLE...SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHAMPTON...SUSSEX...EASTERN
DINWIDDIE...SOUTHEASTERN CHESTERFIELD...CHARLES CITY...PRINCE
GEORGE...NEW KENT...SOUTHEASTERN HENRICO AND WESTERN SURRY
COUNTIES...THE CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS...THE CITY OF HOPEWELL...THE
CITY OF PETERSBURG...THE CITY OF RICHMOND AND THE CITY OF EMPORIA
THROUGH 1015 AM EDT...

At 931 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Highland Springs to near Carson to near
Claresville. Movement was northeast at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, New Kent, Colonial Heights, Roanoke
Rapids, Charles City, Emporia, Waverly, Garysburg, Wakefield,
Boykins, Claremont, Disputanta, Talleysville, Chester, Fort
Gregg-Adams, Virginia State University, Dahlia, and Purdy.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms 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 3626 7739 3632 7744 3631 7757 3641 7755
      3648 7765 3648 7776 3700 7755 3725 7761
      3750 7746 3755 7726 3763 7713 3756 7701
      3758 7696 3756 7696 3754 7697 3757 7692
      3756 7688 3757 7688 3757 7687 3696 7693
TIME...MOT...LOC 1331Z 211DEG 63KT 3754 7736 3705 7734 3664 7751

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Butner
Special weather statement, Mar 16, 12:17 PM EDT, 2 hours 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1217 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VAZ081>085-088>090-518-520-523-161700-
Charles City VA-New Kent VA-Prince George VA-Surry VA-Middlesex VA-
Sussex VA-Eastern King William VA-Eastern King and Queen VA-York VA-
Gloucester VA-James City VA-
1217 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN GLOUCESTER...
SOUTHWESTERN MIDDLESEX...SOUTHEASTERN KING AND QUEEN...CHARLES
CITY...NORTHEASTERN PRINCE GEORGE...NORTHWESTERN YORK...NEW KENT...
SOUTHEASTERN KING WILLIAM...NORTH CENTRAL SUSSEX...JAMES CITY AND
NORTHWESTERN SURRY COUNTIES THROUGH 100 PM EDT...

At 1216 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Charles City to Burrowsville to near
Disputanta. Movement was northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Charles City, Claremont, Ruthville, Burrowsville, Cabin Point, and
  Adkins Store around 1220 PM EDT.
  Holdcroft, Rustic, and Providence Forge around 1225 PM EDT.
  Toano and Barhamsville around 1235 PM EDT.
  West Point and Norge around 1240 PM EDT.
  Little Plymouth and Shacklefords around 1245 PM EDT.
  Glenns and Church View around 1250 PM EDT.
  Saluda around 1255 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by these storms include Eltham, Taylors
Corner, Chickahominy Shore, Croaker, Mountcastle, Harcum, Cash,
Cohoke, Dragonville, and Lanexa.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms 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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for eastern, south
central, southeastern and east central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3763 7654 3749 7649 3727 7681 3701 7724
      3719 7720 3732 7723 3750 7706 3773 7679
TIME...MOT...LOC 1616Z 226DEG 45KT 3732 7711 3723 7708 3708 7718

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Wray
Special weather statement, Mar 16, 1:02 PM EDT, 1 hour 30 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
102 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VAZ048-060>062-068-069-510-511-161745-
Goochland VA-Western Hanover VA-Fluvanna VA-Powhatan VA-Amelia VA-
Cumberland VA-Prince Edward VA-Eastern Louisa VA-
102 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EASTERN LOUISA...CUMBERLAND...
EAST CENTRAL PRINCE EDWARD...GOOCHLAND...NORTHWESTERN HANOVER...
NORTHWESTERN AMELIA...POWHATAN AND SOUTHEASTERN FLUVANNA COUNTIES
THROUGH 145 PM EDT...

At 101 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Columbia to 7 miles northwest of Jetersville.
Movement was northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Cartersville, Columbia, Duncan, Fife, Lakeside Village, Sunnyside,
  Morven, Ballsville, Tobaccoville, and Trenholm around 105 PM EDT.
  Hadensville around 110 PM EDT.
  Macon around 115 PM EDT.
  Powhatan, Goochland, and Gum Spring around 120 PM EDT.
  Oilville and Sabot around 130 PM EDT.
  Bumpass, Montpelier, and Manakin around 135 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by these storms include Orchid, Angola,
Maidens, Three Square, Bremo Bluff, Hawk, Whiteville, Fine Creek
Mills, Michaux, and West View.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms 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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for central and
north central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3741 7841 3764 7825 3769 7824 3771 7832
      3777 7829 3792 7809 3791 7806 3797 7801
      3809 7782 3808 7779 3806 7778 3805 7775
      3802 7775 3803 7773 3799 7764 3797 7763
      3762 7765 3759 7762 3726 7842
TIME...MOT...LOC 1701Z 239DEG 42KT 3775 7818 3737 7820

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Butner
Special weather statement, Mar 16, 1:44 PM EDT, 48 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
144 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VAZ064-511-161830-
Western Hanover VA-Caroline VA-
144 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN CAROLINE AND
NORTHWESTERN HANOVER COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM EDT...

At 144 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Bumpass, or 14 miles east of Mineral, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Bowling Green, Milford, Port Royal, Fort Walker, Ladysmith,
Rappahannock Academy, Chilesburg, Golansville, Villboro, Guinea,
Corbin, Beaverdam, Nancy Wrights Corner, Cedar Fork, Ruther Glen,
Woodford, and Cedon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for central, north
central and east central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3824 7724 3819 7725 3819 7723 3820 7722
      3817 7719 3814 7711 3813 7711 3812 7714
      3811 7714 3789 7773 3800 7769 3799 7764
      3825 7737 3824 7729 3823 7729 3822 7728
      3825 7727 3825 7725
TIME...MOT...LOC 1744Z 236DEG 32KT 3803 7765

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Butner
Special weather statement, Mar 16, 2:16 PM EDT, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
216 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VAZ099-100-161900-
Accomack VA-Northampton VA-
216 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTIES
THROUGH 300 PM EDT...

At 216 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 9 miles south of Tangier to 8 miles west of
Nassawadox to near Cape Charles. Movement was northeast at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small trees and blow around
         unsecured objects. Wind impacting handling of high profile
         vehicles.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Cape Charles, Cheriton, and Bay View around 220 PM EDT.
  Nassawadox around 225 PM EDT.
  Exmore around 230 PM EDT.
  Onancock, Onley, and Willis Wharf around 235 PM EDT.
  Parksley around 240 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by these storms include Hallwood, Harborton,
Melfa, Mappsville, Eastville, Saxis, Franktown, Wallops Island,
Temperanceville, and Nelsonia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for southeastern
Maryland...and eastern and southeastern Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3778 7547 3753 7556 3741 7565 3722 7606
      3730 7608 3756 7600 3775 7589 3775 7594
      3784 7583 3785 7579 3787 7579 3797 7567
      3796 7565 3800 7562 3800 7555 3783 7541
TIME...MOT...LOC 1816Z 213DEG 58KT 3769 7600 3746 7601 3721 7609

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

EI

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 16, 4:14 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQSussex31 min
Mar 16, 9:31 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCharles City, Greensville, Henrico, New Kent, Prince George, Southampton and 5 more44 min
Mar 16, 12:12 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQAmelia, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward48 min
Mar 16, 12:17 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCharles City, James City, New Kent43 min
Mar 16, 1:02 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCumberland, Goochland, Louisa, Powhatan43 min
Mar 16, 1:21 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ39 min
Mar 16, 1:44 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCaroline46 min
Mar 16, 1:47 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ58 min
Mar 16, 2:16 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQAccomack, Northampton44 min
Mar 16, 3:35 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQCity of Chesapeake, City of Norfolk, City of Portsmouth, City of Virginia Beach18 min
Mar 16, 3:35 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQCity of Virginia Beach40 min
Mar 16, 3:47 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ58 min
Mar 16, 3:48 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ57 min
Mar 16, 3:57 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ48 min
Mar 16, 4:04 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningAKQCity of Chesapeake, City of Norfolk, City of Portsmouth3 hr
Mar 16, 4:06 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningAKQCity of Virginia Beach3 hr
Mar 16, 4:16 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQGloucester, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex32 min
Mar 16, 4:26 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ64 min
Mar 16, 6:48 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQLunenburg, Mecklenburg, Prince Edward57 min
Mar 16, 7:40 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningAKQAmelia, Brunswick, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland and 11 more50 min
Mar 16, 12:51 PM EDTTornado WarningAKQChowan, Perquimans24 min
Mar 16, 2:59 PM EDTTornado WarningAKQCamden, Pasquotank, Perquimans31 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in North Carolina, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

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