Tornadoes and Hail in Virginia, April 16, 2011

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Virginia, April 16, 2011
Start: 2011-04-16T14:30
End: 2011-04-16T19:48
Location: Virginia

April 16, 2011 · NWS AKQ · 35 events in 23 counties and zones

Scattered severe thunderstorms in advance of a cold front produced damaging winds, large hail, and numerous tornadoes across portions of central and eastern Virginia.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 29
Property damage: $16 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 35

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS AKQ wrote it up.

Scattered severe thunderstorms in advance of a cold front produced damaging winds, large hail, and numerous tornadoes across portions of central and eastern Virginia.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Apr 16, 12:59 PM EST, 1 hour 31 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 16, 12:59 PM EST, 1 hour 31 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
159 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

.SYNOPSIS...
LOW PRESSURE TRACKS ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES STATES THIS AFTERNOON
WITH THE ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT PUSHING ACROSS THE REGION THIS
EVENING. HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST AND MID
ATLANTIC SUNDAY INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
LATEST WX ANALYSIS DEPICTS STRONG LOW PRESSURE OVER LAKE SUPERIOR
LATE THIS MORNING...WITH THE ASSD COLD FRONT EXTENDING SE THEN S
THRU OH AND EXTRM SW VA...THEN CONTINUED S INTO GA. SHOWERS ASSOC
WITH INITIAL WRM FRNTL BNDRY WERE CURRENTLY MOVNG THRU WRN AND
NRN CNTIES...WITH MORE ORGANIZED LINE OF SHOWERS AND TSTMS...RIGHT
IN ADVANCE OF THE COLD FRNT...EXTENDING FM CNTRL W.VA S THRU EXTRM
SW VA AND INTO WRN NC AND SC. THIS AREA OF SHOWERS/STORMS WILL
MOVE ENE AND ACRS THE CWA THIS AFTN/EVENG...AS COLD FRNT PUSHES
EWRD TWD THE CST. HIGHS IN THE MID TO UPR 60S NORTH...TO THE LWR TO
MID 70S INTERIOR SRN ZNS.

INCREASING SSE LLVL FLOW AHEAD OF THE FRONT WL CONTINUE TO PUMP
ATLC MOISTURE INTO THE RGN...WITH PWATS CLIMBING ~1.5" BY THIS
AFTN. THE SE FLOW WL INITIALLY ALLOW FOR LITTLE IN THE WAY OF
INSTABILITY ACROSS THE CWA THRU MIDDAY OR SO. HOWEVER...DURING THE
AFTN/EVE HRS SPC WRF AND SREF INDICATE POTENTIAL FOR A NARROW
RIBBON OF MLCAPE ON THE ORDER OF 500-1000 J/KG...MAINLY OVER THE
EASTERN THIRD OF THE CWA (WITH HIGHEST VALUES ORIENTED SOUTH OF
THE VA/NC LINE...AND HIGHER VALUES SOUTH OF OUR CWA INTO EASTERN
NC COASTAL PLAIN). LI VALUES DEPICTED BY NAM/GFS TO DROP INTO -1
TO -3 RANGE THIS AFTN IN THIS AREA. 0-3KM STORM RELATIVE HELICITY
(SRH) VALUES IN THE 200-300 M2/S2 RANGE...IN TANDEM WITH 0-6KM
SHEAR UPWARDS OF 40-50KT WOULD PORTEND TO POTENTIAL FOR UPDRAFTS
SUFFICIENT TO PRODUCE SMALL TO MARGINALLY SVR HAIL...PRIMARILY
MID-LT AFTN OVER THE TIDEWATER AREA. HOWEVER...ALL OF THE ABOVE
WOULD POINT TO A QLCS/BOWING LINE SEGMENTS THREAT...DELIVERED BY A
QUICK MOVING NARROW SQUALL LINE OF HVY SHRAS/SCT THUNDERSTORMS.
SOUTH CENTRAL VA ZONES (INCLUDING TRI-CITIES AND TIDEWATER) INTO
NE NC NOW IN MOD RISK FOR SVR WX FROM SPC...WITH SLGT RISK FOR
NORTHERN ZONES.

ONCE AGAIN...GUSTY WNDS APPEAR TO BE PRIMARY THREAT. HOWEVER...STRONG
VERTICAL SHEAR (BOTH DIRECTIONAL AND SPEED SHEAR)...LOW LCL HGTS
(<500M (1640FT))AND EHI VALUES BETWEEN 1-2 WOULD CAUTION THAT AN
ISOLATED TORNADO CANNOT BE RULED OUT...PARTICULARLY OVER SOUTHERN
TIDEWATER AND NE NC ZONES CLOSEST TO UPR LVL DIVERGENCE PROVIDED
BY RIGHT ENTRANCE REGION OF UPR JET.

COLD FRONT PUSHES OFF THE COAST LATE TONIGHT...W/QUICK CLEARING
EXPECTED EARLY SUN. DESPITE CLEARING...WELL MIXED ATMOSPHERE SHOULD
KEEP EARLY MORNING LOWS SUN MORN IN THE U40S TO L50S.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
LMTD CAA BEHIND THE FRONT...SO EXPECTING A MILD AND BREEZY SUNDAY
ACROSS THE CWA. SFC HI PRES WL PUSH ACROSS SE STATES SUN
NGT...PUSHING OVER THE W ATLANTIC FOR MON. WK FRONTAL BOUNDARY
APPROACHES NRN PORTION OF THE FA BY MON AM...THEN STALLS. BULK OF
CLDNS W/ THAT FRONT EXPECTED TO BE LMTD TO NRN PORTION OF FA LT SUN
NGT INTO MON AFTN. SRN HALF OF FA EXPECTED TO RMN PCLDY.

MAXIMA SUNDAY CLIMBING TO ~70F (EVEN TO THE CST AS SFC WNDS WL BE
FM THE WNW). LO TEMPS SUN NGT IN THE 40S INLAND TO ARND 50F RIGHT
ALG THE CST. HI TEMPS MON FM THE L70S N TO U70S S.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
BERMUDA RIDGE DOMINATES WED. KEPT SLGHT CHC DIURNAL POPS ACROSS NWRN
CNTYS FOR ANY CONVECTION THAT DVLPS ALONG LEE TROF. HIGHS U70S-L80S.

MODELS NOW FASTER WITH THE NXT CDFRNTL PASSAGE. BNDRY PROGGED ACROSS
RGN WED NITE SLIDING S INTO CAROLINAS THURSDAY. WILL HAVE CHC POPS
THIS THE FROPA. LOWS 55-60. MODELS DIFFER ON JUST HOW S BNDRY GETS
THU AND THU NITE B4 RETURNING N AS A WRM FRNT FRIDAY. HIGH PRS TO
THE N SHUD DRY OUT THE LWST LAYERS. HAVE TAKEN POPS OUT AND BUT KEPT
IN M CLDY AS MSTR PROGGED AT DIFFERENT LVLS. COOLER THU WITH HIGHS
IN THE 60S AT THE COAST...70-75 INLAND. LOWS THU NITE U40S-L50S.

CHC POPS RETURN LATE FRI AND FRI NITE AS WRM FRNT LIFTS BACK N OVR
THE RGN. HIGHS IN THE 60S. LOWS IN THE U40S-L50S. CHC POPS CONT NXT
SAT AHEAD ON YET ANTHR CDFRNTL PASSAGE. WRMR WITH HIGHS U60S-M70S.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
HAVE TRIED TO TIME THE APPRCHG LINE OF CONVECTION BY USING CB
INTO TAF SITES NXT 6 HRS. RIC BTWN 21-00Z...CSTL TAF SITES BTWN
22-02Z. ONLY QSTN WILL BE ANY SUPERCELL TSTRMS THAT DVLP OUT AHEAD
OF THAT LINE AS CRNTLY SEEN ACROSS SRN NC. GUSTY S-SE WNDS CONT TO
INCRS THIS AFTRN AND HAVE INDCTD G40S KTS AS PRS GRDNT CONT TO
TIGHTEN. XCPT MVFR/IFR CIGS AND VSBYS IN ANY TSTRM DUE TO MOIST
ONSHORE FLOW PROVIDING COPIUIS AMTS OF LL MSTR.

PCPN ENDS W-E AFTR FROPA THIS EVE WITHA FEW HR PRD OG GUSTY W WNDS
(15-25 KTS) BUT XPCT CIGS TO RISE INTO VFR RANGE. SKC ALONG WITH
DMNSHG WNDS SUN AS HIGH PRS BLDS INTO RGN.

VFR CONDS INTO MON. MON NGT COULD SEE A PERIOD OF LOWER CLOUDS AS
WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTH THROUGH THE AREA...OTHERWISE VFR CONDS
AGAIN PREVAIL TUE-WED.

&&

.MARINE...
NO CHANGES TO CWF HEADLINES...WILL RAISE GALES ALL ZONES W/ 7AM
PACKAGE (AS WE'LL EASILY BE WITHIN 12 HRS OF THE ONSET). THINKING
REMAINS SIMILAR TO PREV FCST...STRONG 1035 MB SFC HIGH OFF NEW
ENGLAND AND A 990 MB SFC LOW TRACKING INTO THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES
WILL MAKE FOR A VERY WINDY SITUATION ACRS THE WATERS. ONLY LIMITING
FACTOR IS MIXING THE WINDS DOWN OVER THE COLD WATERS (SFC WATER
TEMPS UPR 40S TO MID 50S). GRADIENT SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR AT
LEAST 25-30 KT SUSTAINED AND GUSTS AROUND 35 KT (WILL CONTINUE TO GO
A LITTLE HIGHER OVER NRN CSTL WATERS WHERE GRADIENT IS A LITTLE
STRONGER). IN ADDITION TO THIS...ANY CONVECTION THAT GETS GOING
WOULD POTENTIALLY BRING STORM FORCE WIND GUSTS LATE AFTN/EVENG...AND
WILL HANDLE W/ SMW'S AS NEEDED.

ADDED A HIGH SURF ADVSY FOR ERN SHORE ZONES...FLOW REMAINS NEARLY
PERPENDICULAR TO THE SHORE THROUGH MUCH OF THE EVENT (AND STILL AT
ABOUT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE LATER THIS AFTERNOON/EVENING) SO NEARSHORE
WAVES SHOULD REACH 8 FT OR POSSIBLY A BIT HIGHER AT THAT TIME.
FARTHER SOUTH/ VA BCH TO THE NRN NC OUTER BANKS...ORIENTATION OF THE
COASTLINE IS SUCH THAT WINDS BECMG MORE SSE TO S (AS EXPECTED THIS
AFTN/EVENG) WOULD LIKELY KEEP SEAS CAPPED JUST BELOW 8 FT AT THE
SHORELINE (8-10 FT FARTHER OFFSHORE). THIS WILL BEAR WATCHING
HOWEVER AS IT WILL BE CLOSE.

CONDITIONS QUIET DOWN BY SUNDAY MRNG...SCA'S WILL NEED TO REPLACE
GALE WRNG'S AND WILL LIKELY LINGER INTO LATE SUN MRNG (FOR SEAS ON
THE COAST). OTHERWISE...GNLY SUB-SCA WINDS/SEAS EXPECTED WITH FLOW
BECMG SW FRO LATER SUN-MIDWEEK.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
RAISED A CSTL FLOOD WRNG FOR OCEAN CITY FOR THIS EVENG'S HIGH TIDE
CYCLE...BASED ON PATTERN (DESPITE GFS BASED MDL GDNC ONLY PREDICTING
AT MOST MARGINAL MINOR FLOODING).

ELSEWHERE...LTST DATA CONTS TO SPRT POSSIBLY MINOR FLOODING W/
LATE MRNG-ERLY AFTN CYCLE AND PTNTLY MODERATE CSTL FLOODING EVENT
DRNG THE LATE EVE-ERLY SUN AM HIGH TIDE CYCLE. CBOFS (NAM BASED)
GUIDANCE IS MUCH HIGHER COMPARED TO THE MDL (GFS BASED). HAVE
RETAINED THE CSTL FLOOD WATCH ALONG CHES BAY N OF DELTAVILLE AND
SILVER BCH (FOR THE 2ND CYCLE LATER TONIGHT/ERLY SUN)...AND RAISED
AN ADSY FOR THESE AREAS FOR THE NEAR TERM...LATE MRNG-ERLY AFTN.

&&

.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...HIGH SURF ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR MDZ025.
     COASTAL FLOOD WARNING UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR MDZ024-
     025.
     COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE
     TONIGHT FOR MDZ021>023.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
     MDZ021>023.
NC...NONE.
VA...HIGH SURF ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR VAZ099-100.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR VAZ099.
     COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE
     TONIGHT FOR VAZ074>078-085.
     COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
     VAZ074>078-085.
MARINE...GALE WARNING UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR ANZ630>634-650-652-
     654-656-658.

&&

SYNOPSIS...TMG
NEAR TERM...TMG/MAM
SHORT TERM...
LONG TERM...MPR
AVIATION...MPR
MARINE...LKB
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 16, 12:35 PM EST, 1 hour 55 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

NCZ012-VAZ048-049-060>073-079>083-087>090-092-171745-
NORTHAMPTON NC-FLUVANNA-LOUISA-PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-GOOCHLAND-
HANOVER-CAROLINE-MECKLENBURG-LUNENBURG-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-
CHESTERFIELD-HENRICO-KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-BRUNSWICK-DINWIDDIE-
PRINCE GEORGE-CHARLES CITY-NEW KENT-GREENSVILLE-SUSSEX-SURRY-
JAMES CITY-SOUTHAMPTON-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR INTERIOR NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...CENTRAL VIRGINIA...EAST CENTRAL VIRGINIA...INTERIOR
SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA...SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA...THE MIDDLE PENINSULA
OF VIRGINIA...THE PENINSULA OF SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA AND THE PIEDMONT
OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

NCZ013>017-030>032-102-171745-
HERTFORD-GATES-PASQUOTANK-CAMDEN-INLAND CURRITUCK-BERTIE-CHOWAN-
PERQUIMANS-OUTER BANKS CURRITUCK-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR COASTAL NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...INTERIOR NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND THE NORTHERN OUTER
BANKS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ650-652-654-171745-
COASTAL WATERS FROM FENWICK ISLAND DE TO CHINCOTEAGUE VA OUT TO
20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM CHINCOTEAGUE TO PARRAMORE ISLAND VA OUT TO 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM PARRAMORE ISLAND TO CAPE CHARLES LIGHT VA OUT TO
20 NM-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE MID ATLANTIC COASTAL
WATERS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   GALE WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

ANZ630>634-656-658-171745-
CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM SMITH POINT TO WINDMILL POINT VA-
CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM WINDMILL POINT TO NEW POINT COMFORT VA-
CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM NEW POINT COMFORT TO LITTLE CREEK VA-
CURRITUCK SOUND-
CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM LITTLE CREEK TO CAPE HENRY VA...INCLUDING THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE TUNNEL-
COASTAL WATERS FROM CAPE CHARLES LIGHT VA TO NC VA BORDER OUT TO
20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM NC VA BORDER TO CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT NC OUT TO
20 NM-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE
BAY...THE SOUTHERN CHESAPEAKE BAY...THE MID ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS
AND CURRITUCK SOUND.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.
   GALE WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

VAZ091-093>098-171745-
YORK-ISLE OF WIGHT-NEWPORT NEWS/HAMPTON-NORFOLK/PORTSMOUTH-SUFFOLK-
CHESAPEAKE-VIRGINIA BEACH-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR INTERIOR SOUTHEAST
VIRGINIA...SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA AND THE PENINSULA OF
SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

VAZ100-171745-
NORTHAMPTON VA-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH SURF ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

VAZ074>078-085-171745-
ESSEX-WESTMORELAND-RICHMOND-NORTHUMBERLAND-LANCASTER-MIDDLESEX-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE MIDDLE PENINSULA OF
VIRGINIA AND THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.
   COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY.
   COASTAL FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

VAZ084-086-171745-
GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...TORNADO WATCH 150 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE MIDDLE PENINSULA OF
VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON 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.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

VAZ099-171745-
ACCOMACK-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH SURF ADVISORY.
   COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

MDZ025-171745-
MARYLAND BEACHES-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF
MARYLAND.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HIGH SURF ADVISORY.
   COASTAL FLOOD WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

MDZ024-171745-
INLAND WORCESTER-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF
MARYLAND.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   COASTAL FLOOD WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

MDZ021>023-171745-
DORCHESTER-WICOMICO-SOMERSET-
135 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF
MARYLAND.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY.
   COASTAL FLOOD WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

TG

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 16, 1:33 PM EST, 57 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
233 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

VAZ060-065>068-161915-
AMELIA VA-LUNENBURG VA-MECKLENBURG VA-NOTTOWAY VA-PRINCE EDWARD VA-
233 PM EDT SAT APR 16 2011

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS MOVING INTO THE WESTERN PIEDMONT...

AT 231 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
STRONG THUNDERSTORMS FROM 25 MILES WEST OF DARLINGTON HEIGHTS TO 36
MILES SOUTHWEST OF BUFFALO SPRINGS...OR FROM 14 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
RED HOUSE TO 27 MILES SOUTHWEST OF VIRGILINA...MOVING EAST AT 50 MPH.
THE STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR...
  DARLINGTON HEIGHTS AROUND 250 PM EDT...
  HAMPDEN SYDNEY AROUND 255 PM EDT...
  KELLS CORNER AROUND 300 PM EDT...
  RICE AROUND 305 PM EDT...
  JETERSVILLE AROUND 310 PM EDT...
  KENBRIDGE AROUND 315 PM EDT...

EXPECT WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH...DANGEROUS LIGHTNING...HEAVY
DOWNPOURS AND POSSIBLE HAIL IN THE PATH OF THESE STORMS.

LAT...LON 3668 7871 3670 7865 3688 7850 3708 7846
      3709 7850 3713 7853 3715 7861 3719 7865
      3720 7870 3722 7869 3733 7799 3654 7817
      3654 7873 3656 7874

44

The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 123 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:31 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

20 thunderstorm wind, 12 tornado, 3 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Lunenburg

When: April 16, 2:30 PM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where: Lunenburg County, 1.19 mi ESE of Kells Corner to 4.79 mi N of Kenbridge
Rating: EF1
Path length: 16.95 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.871, -78.382

Tornado was first noted in southwest Lunenburg county on Rocky Mill Road. The tornado continued northeast to the east of Route 49 for about 17 miles before lifting near the Lunenburg/Nottoway county line near The Falls. Most of the damage was to trees, with numerous trees downed or sheared off. A few homes sustained minor damage, and a number of sheds and outbuildings were also damaged. The most intense damage was noted in the vicinity of Rehobeth Road, southeast of Rehobeth. The tornado then continued northeast across the east and north sides of Victoria. Damage to trees and outbuildings was noted at Victoria Golf Club.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nottoway

When: April 16, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Nottoway County, 1.38 mi S of Camp Pickett
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.030, -77.950

Trees were downed in Fort Pickett and Forkland.

Hail, New Kent

When: April 16, 3:08 PM EST
Where: New Kent County, 3.22 mi NNW of Lanexa
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.420, -76.910

Quarter size hail was reported.

Tornado, Dinwiddie

When: April 16, 3:37 PM EST to 3:47 PM EST
Where: Dinwiddie County, 2.9 mi NW of Dewitt to 2.71 mi SSE of Church Rd
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.01 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Injuries: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $1.5 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.057, -77.690

Tornado path started on Doyle Road west of Glebe Road and then tracked east-northeast to the Five Forks area of Dinwiddie county. Hundreds of trees were either downed or snapped off. Numerous power lines were also downed, and there were several homes and outbuildings with minor to moderate damage. Most significant damage was on Patillo Road at Wooded Lane, and on Wilkinson Road near Shannon Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dinwiddie

When: April 16, 3:47 PM EST
Where: Dinwiddie County, 0.69 mi N of Dinwiddie Gardens
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.210, -77.480

Trees were downed on Cox Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Petersburg (C)

When: April 16, 3:47 PM EST
Where: Petersburg (C) County, 1.49 mi SSW of Petersburg
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.200, -77.430

Tree was blown down on house at Dinwiddie Court.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince George

When: April 16, 3:50 PM EST
Where: Prince George County, 2.14 mi NNW of Poe
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.210, -77.340

Numerous trees were downed along County Drive.

Hail, Powhatan

When: April 16, 4:35 PM EST
Where: Powhatan County, 0.88 mi NE of Powhatan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.540, -77.920

Quarter size hail was reported.

Hail, Powhatan

When: April 16, 4:35 PM EST
Where: Powhatan County, 0.88 mi NE of Powhatan
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.540, -77.920

Half dollar size hail was reported at Pine Ridge Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greensville

When: April 16, 4:45 PM EST
Where: Greensville County, 1.31 mi WSW of Moonlight
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.720, -77.520

Trees were downed on Crescent Court.

Tornado, Southampton

When: April 16, 4:50 PM EST to 4:53 PM EST
Where: Southampton County, 1.82 mi S of Drewryville to 2.09 mi SE of Drewryville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.86 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.694, -77.302

A brief tornado touched down in southwest Southampton county. Numerous trees were snapped off and a few structures sustained damage. The most significant damage was to a farm equipment shelter and a roof on a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Southampton

When: April 16, 4:57 PM EST
Where: Southampton County, 0.55 mi W of Drewryville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.720, -77.310

Trees were downed on Cedar View Road. One tree was downed on a house.

Tornado, Southampton

When: April 16, 5:20 PM EST to 5:25 PM EST
Where: Southampton County, 0.5 mi NNE of Manry to 2.25 mi NNE of Manry
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.75 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.886, -77.026

EF0 tornado damaged several trees and downed several others across rural portions of western Southampton county. In addition, tornado also damaged a fence near the end of the tornado path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sussex

When: April 16, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Sussex County, Homeville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.950, -77.170

Tops of pine trees were knocked off.

Tornado, Middlesex

When: April 16, 5:30 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Middlesex County, 2.28 mi SE of Samos to 2.73 mi ESE of Samos
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.06 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.674, -76.604

Tornado tracked from Lagrange Creek to Family Lane. The tornado destroyed one home and a grain silo. Numerous trees were downed and sheared off. The tornado may have had multiple vortices in the main funnel.

Thunderstorm Wind, James City

When: April 16, 5:45 PM EST
Where: James City County, 2.31 mi ESE of Grove
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.240, -76.630

Trees were downed on Pocahontas Trail.

Tornado, Surry

When: April 16, 5:45 PM EST to 5:50 PM EST
Where: Surry County, 2.27 mi SW of Homewood to 1.53 mi NE of Homewood
Rating: EF3
Path length: 3.8 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Continued into: James City, Va (AKQ)
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.153, -76.704

Tornado developed just south of the Surry Nuclear Power Plant and then continued across the James River into the Kingsmill section of James City county. Numerous trees were downed or sheared off, and some damage to buildings and vehicles was reported at the plant.

Tornado, James City

When: April 16, 5:50 PM EST to 5:53 PM EST
Where: James City County, 3.7 mi S of Grove to 2.91 mi ESE of Grove
Rating: EF3
Path length: 3.42 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Continued into: York, Va (AKQ)
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.197, -76.662

Tornado tracked from Surry county into the Kingsmill section of James City county . Several trees were downed or sheared off. A few homes and buildings were damaged.

Tornado, York

When: April 16, 5:53 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: York County, 3.92 mi W of Lackey to 4.62 mi NNW of Lackey
Rating: EF3
Path length: 5 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Continued into: Gloucester, Va (AKQ)
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.234, -76.621

Tornado tracked from James City county into York county. The tornado mainly affected the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. Numerous trees were downed or sheared off, with no significant building damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lancaster

When: April 16, 5:55 PM EST
Where: Lancaster County, 1.47 mi NNE of Monaskon
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.751, -76.564

Pole barn was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northumberland

When: April 16, 6:00 PM EST
Where: Northumberland County, Wicomico Church
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.820, -76.380

Large trees were downed and blocking a road.

Tornado, Gloucester

When: April 16, 6:00 PM EST to 6:18 PM EST
Where: Gloucester County, 1.76 mi S of Coke to 2.01 mi SSE of Dutton
Rating: EF3
Path length: 13 mi
Path width: 800 yd
Continued into: Mathews, Va (AKQ)
Deaths: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 24 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $7.7 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.295, -76.572

Tornado tracked from York county into Gloucester county. The worst damage (EF2 and EF3 intensity) was in the southern part of Gloucester county near Clopton. A total of 15 homes were destroyed by the tornado, with an additional 29 homes sustaining major damage. Nearly 100 other structures sustained minor damage, or were affected by the tornado or the associated debris. Page Middle School was also severely damaged, with large parts of the school rendered unusable. School buses were overturned and tossed around by the tornado. Numerous trees and power lines were downed, with a number of other trees sheared off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northumberland

When: April 16, 6:10 PM EST
Where: Northumberland County, 0.69 mi S of Avalon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.890, -76.420

Large tree and power lines were downed and blocking a road.

Tornado, Isle of Wight

When: April 16, 6:10 PM EST to 6:40 PM EST
Where: Isle of Wight County, 1.1 mi W of Ballards Xrds to 0.76 mi NNW of Lawson
Rating: EF2
Path length: 22.61 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.753, -76.840

Tornado damage was along a nearly continuous 20 mile damage path from east of Walters to just southwest of Smithfield. Many trees were downed, sheared off or topped, and a number of power lines were also brought down. More than 2 dozen homes were damaged with a few sustaining significant damage. Several farms were impacted with farm equipment picked up and tossed around. The most significant damage occurred in the first 10 to 12 miles of the tornado path.

Tornado, Mathews

When: April 16, 6:18 PM EST to 6:20 PM EST
Where: Mathews County, 0.63 mi W of North to 0.99 mi NNE of North
Rating: EF3
Path length: 1.25 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.452, -76.441

Tornado tracked from Gloucester county into western Mathews county where it lifted. Few trees were downed or sheared off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northumberland

When: April 16, 6:20 PM EST
Where: Northumberland County, 1.09 mi W of Gonyon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.920, -76.350

Large trees and power lines were downed on Hull Road.

Tornado, Middlesex

When: April 16, 6:25 PM EST to 6:35 PM EST
Where: Middlesex County, 0.26 mi NW of Ruark to 1.33 mi N of Deltaville
Rating: EF2
Path length: 2.8 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $6.0 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.533, -76.353

Tornado developed in southeast Middlesex county along the Plankatank River. It moved northeast through Deltaville then off the land and dissipated over the Rappahannock River. Thirty five homes in Deltaville sustained major damage or were destroyed by the tornado. An additional 25 homes sustained minor damage or were affected by the tornado or its associated debris. with many being severely damaged. Numerous trees were downed and many were sheared off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin (C)

When: April 16, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Franklin (C) County, 1.31 mi WNW of Franklin
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 36.680, -76.940

Wind gust of 61 mph was measured at FKN.

Thunderstorm Wind, Suffolk (C)

When: April 16, 7:20 PM EST
Where: Suffolk (C) County, 0.89 mi NE of Kings Fork
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.790, -76.610

Trees were downed on Matoaka Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When: April 16, 7:40 PM EST
Where: Northampton County, 0.69 mi S of Weirwood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.440, -75.880

Numerous trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When: April 16, 7:40 PM EST
Where: Northampton County, 1.49 mi NNW of Simpkins
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.350, -75.940

Numerous trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Accomack

When: April 16, 7:45 PM EST
Where: Accomack County, 1.29 mi ENE of Parksley
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.790, -75.650

Parts of siding of house were torn off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When: April 16, 7:46 PM EST
Where: Northampton County, 0.55 mi E of Exmore
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.530, -75.820

Numerous trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Accomack

When: April 16, 7:46 PM EST
Where: Accomack County, 1.29 mi ENE of Painter
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.590, -75.780

Numerous trees were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Accomack

When: April 16, 7:48 PM EST
Where: Accomack County, 0.55 mi E of Accomac
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.720, -75.670

Numerous trees were downed.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Gloucester	2011-04-16	53	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct
Tornado, Gloucester	2011-04-16	90	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct

What these are

Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Virginia, 2011 Warnings in Virginia, April 2011

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 303324, 301243, 301233, 303327, 301245, 301249, 301252, 301234, 301277, 301253, 303336, 301279, 345215, 301240, 303639, 301255, 305437, 305451, 305455, 304893, 301259, 305469, 301260, 303640, 305487, 301263, 303638, 301272, 301258, 301264, 301265, 301267, 301268, 301270, 301271.