Hail and Damaging Winds in Virginia, July 13, 2015

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in Virginia, July 13, 2015
Start: 2015-07-13T00:51
End: 2015-07-13T21:35
Location: Virginia

July 13, 2015 · NWS RNK · 35 events in 15 counties and zones

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: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $71,000
Crop damage: $5,000
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 RNK wrote it up.

A line of thunderstorms associated with a larger cluster of storms advanced southeast through the region. A large number of trees were downed across the area, and some storms produced large hail during the late afternoon and early evening. An isolated severe storm not associated with the thunderstorm complex generated quarter size hail much earlier in the day in Bedford.

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 Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 12, 6:31 PM EST, 6 hours 20 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 12, 6:31 PM EST, 6 hours 20 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
731 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

.SYNOPSIS...
A WEAK WARM FRONT WILL LIFT SLOWLY NORTHEAST TOWARD THE REGION
TONIGHT BEFORE PASSING TO THE NORTH LATER MONDAY INTO MONDAY NIGHT.
NORTHWEST FLOW ALOFT WILL ALLOW UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCES TO SPILL
SOUTHEAST INTO THE AREA ALONG THE BOUNDARY THROUGH TUESDAY
RESULTING IN PERIODIC ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. A WEAK
COOL FRONT SHOULD DROP THROUGH THE REGION FROM THE NORTH BY MID
WEEK.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
AS OF 730 PM EDT SUNDAY...

STILL NO CLEAR MODEL CONSENSUS ON TIMING OR INTENSITY OF
PRECIPITATION...BUT SO FAR TODAY...ONLY RAIN SHOWERS HAVE IMPACTED
THE CWA. A CELL WEST OF TAZEWELL ONGOING CURRENTLY...IS THE FIRST
CELL I HAVE SEEN EVEN NEAR OUR CWA YET TO EXHIBIT ANY LIGHTNING.
MESO-SCALE MODELS HAVE VARYING DEGREES OF CONVECTION IMPACTING THE
AREA OVERNIGHT. THE HRRR BRINGS THE ACTIVITY CURRENTLY IN KENTUCKY
INTO OUR REGION IN A DIMINISHED STATE TOWARD MIDNIGHT. THE LOCAL
WRF KEEPS ALL SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY WEST OF I-77...DROPPING THE
MOST INTENSE CONVECTION SOUTHWARD THROUGH EASTERN KY/EASTERN TN.
NCEP WRF MODELS IN BETWEEN...BUT AGAIN SHOW NOTHING SIGNIFICANT IN
OUR CWA TODAY OR TOMORROW. HAVE ADJUSTED POPS SOMEWHAT OVERNIGHT
INTO THE EARLY MORNING HOURS TO ACCOUNT FOR BETTER THREAT FOR
CONVECTION WEST OF I-77...LESS LEAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE. ONLY MINOR
ADJUSTMENTS TO T/TD NEEDED AT THIS TIME.

AS OF 355 PM EDT SUNDAY...

MODELS OFFERING SEVERAL DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS FOR TONIGHT AND
MONDAY...ESPECIALLY LOOKING AT WINDS...LOCATION OF PRECIPITATION
AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ON MONDAY.

SATELLITE TOTAL PRECIPITABLE WATER PRODUCT AND VERTICAL PROFILERS
INDICATED PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES HAVE RISEN TO AROUND 1.5
INCHES. WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS HAVE
DEVELOPED ON THE EASTERN EDGE OF A OLD MESOSCALE COMPLEX. SOME
GUIDANCE SUGGESTS THE CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION WILL EXTEND WELL
INTO THE EASTERN COUNTY WARNING AREA TONIGHT.

ANOTHER CLUSTER OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP UPSTREAM
TONIGHT WITH MORE PRECIPITATION IN THE FORECAST AREA MONDAY
AFTERNOON. BUT OVERALL INSTABILITY AND SHEAR IS MARGINAL. BELIEVE
BEST PROBABILITY FOR PRECIPITATION AND HIGHEST RAINFALL AMOUNTS
WILL BE ALONG AND WEST OF I-77 THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.

WITH HIGHER SURFACE DEW POINTS BACK IN THE AREA...MINIMUM TEMPERATURES
WILL BE MILDER TONIGHT THAN ON SUNDAY MORNING. THE AMOUNT OF CLOUD
COVER IN THE MORNING AND PRECIPITATION IN THE AFTERNOON WILL
IMPACT THE TEMPERATURES ON MONDAY. STAYED CLOSER TO BIAS CORRECTED
MAV GUIDANCE FOR TONIGHT AND ON MONDAY.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
AS OF 230 PM EDT SUNDAY...

WEATHER SCENARIO REMAINS QUITE COMPLICATED WITH TIMING OF FEATURES
ACROSS THE AREA WITHIN A VERY MOIST/UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT WHILE LIMITED
VIA WESTERLY WINDS ALOFT AND ONLY WEAK SURFACE FEATURES UNTIL LATE
TUESDAY. LATEST SUITE OF SOLUTIONS SUGGEST THAT MAY INIT BETWEEN UPPER
WAVES MONDAY EVENING AS A LEAD SHORTWAVE EXITS THE PIEDMONT AHEAD OF
PERHAPS ANOTHER UPSTREAM VORT/MCS THAT LOOKS TO DIVE SE TOWARD THE
SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS BY EARLY TUESDAY. APPEARS THIS IMPULSE MAY ACT TO
ENHANCE CONVERGENCE ALONG THE WESTERN SLOPES MONDAY EVENING WITH SOME
OF THIS POSSIBLY JETTING ACROSS THE SW OVERNIGHT ALONG THE RETREATING
WARM FRONT. THIS COULD PROVIDE A TIGHT GRADIENT TO POPS WITH LITTLE OUT
EAST AFTER ANY EVENING COVERAGE FADES WITH A COUPLE ROUNDS POSSIBLE OUT
WEST WHERE FOR NOW WILL KEEP OVERALL LIKELY POPS IN PLACE.

STRONG UPPER TROUGH FOR JULY WILL DIG SE OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES TUESDAY
BEFORE SLIDING TO NEAR THE DELMARVA ON WEDNESDAY. THIS WILL PUSH THE
TRAILING SHORTWAVE TROUGH AXIS SE TOWARD THE REGION LATE IN THE DAY
TUESDAY...AIDED BY INCREASING WINDS ALOFT AND HIGH INSTABILITY...
PROVIDED CAN GET ENOUGH HEATING THROUGH RESIDUAL DEBRIS CLOUDS...AND
ISOLATED SHOWERS ESPCLY WEST. HOWEVER GUIDANCE SHOWS A VERY PRONOUNCED
WEST/NW TRAJECTORY JUST ABOVE THE BOUNDARY LAYER WHICH WOULD TEND TO
FOCUS MOST BANDED CONVECTION OVER THE WEST AS THE NW FLOW CONVEYOR BELT
SHOULD BE ABOUT OVERHEAD BY THEN. LEE TROUGH ALSO QUITE STRONG BY LATER
TUESDAY WHICH IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SURFACE LOW FORMING IN RESPONSE TO
THE 5H SYSTEM MAY CAUSE A QUICK JUMP TO THE EAST OF THE AREA LATE IN
THE DAY. SINCE THIS LOOKS QUITE REALISTIC PENDING TIMING...WILL ADJUST
POPS TO HIGHER LIKELYS FAR WEST TUESDAY PER HIGH FORECAST THETA-
E/DIVERGENCE ALOFT...AND GO HIGHER CHANCE EAST WITH LEAST COVERAGE BLUE
RIDGE GIVEN DOWNSLOPE INTO TUESDAY NIGHT. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PERIOD
FOR MORE WIDESPREAD SEVERE SO KEEPING IN THE HWO PER GOING SPC
OUTLOOKS.

AREA WILL SPILL UNDER THE COLD POOL ALOFT WITH THE 5H LOW TO THE NE ON
WEDNESDAY WITH QUITE A BIT OF SUPPORT ROTATING AROUND THIS FEATURE TO
KEEP DECENT LIFT GOING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY. THINK MORE OF A
NORTHERLY TRAJECTORY SHOULD TEND TO LIMIT SHRA ACROSS THE FAR SOUTH BUT
APPEARS COULD SEE MORE WIDESPREAD WEAKER SHRA/ISOLATED TSRA WEDNESDAY
BEFORE DRIER AIR ALOFT ADVECTS IN AND ENDS THE SHOWER THREAT DURING THE
EVENING. OVERALL PLAN TO KEEP POPS ON THE CHANCE SIDE PENDING LATER
RUNS SINCE THE DEGREE OF RESIDUAL MOISTURE RATHER UNCERTAIN FOR NOW.

KEPT TEMPS ON THE WARM SIDE OF MOS INTO TUESDAY NIGHT WITH LOW AND EVEN
MID 90S POSSIBLE EAST TUESDAY IF CLOUDS/SHRA ARE LESS. SHOULD BE A BIT
COOLER UNDER MORE CLOUDS...SHOWERS AND NORTHERLY FLOW WEDNESDAY WITH
MOSTLY 80S EXCEPT PERHAPS ONLY SOME 70S FOR HIGHS WEST.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
AS OF 100 PM EDT SUNDAY...

5H HEIGHTS WILL BUILD EAST ACROSS THE REGION THROUGH MUCH OF THE PERIOD
AS THE LARGE UPPER HIGH OVER THE SOUTHERN PLAINS NUDGES EASTWARD INTO
NEXT WEEKEND. THIS SHOULD MEAN A MORE DIURNALLY DRIVEN LESS ORGANIZED
PATTERN TO CONVECTION AS FOCUS SHIFTS TO MORE OUTFLOW DRIVEN SHRA/TSRA
PERHAPS AIDED BY FAINT SHORTWAVE ENERGY PASSING AROUND THE RIDGE IN THE
WEST/NW FLOW ALOFT. INITIALLY SHOULD BE IN THE WAKE OF THE FRONT TO THE
SOUTH AND THE UPPER SYSTEM TO THE EAST THURSDAY...WITH WEAK HIGH
PRESSURE TO THE NORTH BRINGING A PERIOD OF WEAK SUBSIDENCE THURSDAY
INTO THURSDAY NIGHT INCLUDING ONLY ISOLATED CONVECTION AT BEST.
MOISTURE SHOULD START TO MAKE A SLOW RETURN FRIDAY AND ESPCLY SATURDAY
AS THE WEAK FRONT SHIFTS BACK NORTH AND WEAK RETURN FLOW DEVELOPS. THIS
LOOKS TO BRING SCATTERED NATURE POPS BACK BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON WITH
HIGHER CHANCES SATURDAY UNDER BETTER PWATS. NEXT WEAK UPPER TROUGH AND
ITS ASSOCIATED COOL FRONT APPROACHES ON SUNDAY WHILE PRECEDED BY MORE
WESTERLY FLOW. THIS SUGGESTS BEST CHANCE POPS WEST/NORTH AND LESS OUT
EAST DESPITE DEEP MOISTURE AND GOOD HEATING.

A SLIGHTLY COOLER/DRIER PERIOD THURSDAY/THURSDAY NIGHT LOOKS TO REBOUND
BACK TO HIGHS OF 85-90 WEST AND LOW/MID 90S EAST BY NEXT WEEKEND UNDER
WESTERLY FLOW AND PROGGED 85H TEMPS OF +22-23C.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
AS OF 720 PM EDT SATURDAY...

A PIPE LINE OF SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK OVER THE AREA INTO
EARLY MORNING MONDAY. THESE LINES OF SHOWERS ARE ORIENTED FROM
NORTHWEST TO THE SOUTHEAST AND ARE NARROW. ONE OF THE MOST SOLID
LINES IS FIXED OVER KBKW-KBCB-KMTV. LIGHT SHOWERS WILL REMAIN OVER
THIS AREA THIS EVENING. THIS LINE MAY DRIFT NORTH OVERNIGHT...SITTING
OVER KLWB-KROA BY MORNING...BUT A TOUGH CALL FOR NOW AS THIS LINE
APPEARS STATIONARY. FOR THE MOST PART...WILL CALL FOR LIGHT SHOWERS
WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE AND VICINITY SHOWERS EAST. CEILINGS MAY
ALSO LOWER THROUGH THE NIGHT TO MVFR...ESPECIALLY AT KBLF. THIS
LOW CONFIDENCE ENVIRONMENT WILL BEST BE HANDLED WITH AMENDMENTS
RATHER THAN A VERY DETAILED HOUR BY HOUR SET OF TAFS.

EXTENDED AVIATION DISCUSSION...

MONDAY AND TUESDAY APPEAR TO OFFER THE BEST CHANCE FOR WIDESPREAD
DEEP CONVECTION...SOME OF WHICH COULD BE STRONG TO SEVERE...WITH
AN ACTIVE NORTHWEST/BAROCLINIC FLOW IN PLACE ALONG THE NORTHEAST
SIDE OF A STRONG SUBTROPICAL RIDGE ANCHORED IN THE SOUTHERN
PLAINS. ONE OR MORE CONVECTIVE COMPLEXES APPEAR LIKELY WITHIN THIS
TIME FRAME...BUT EXACT PLACEMENT AND TIMING IS NOT POSSIBLE THIS
FAR OUT.

MORE TYPICAL SUMMERTIME CONDITIONS RETURN FOR THE LATER
HALF OF THE WEEK WITH EARLY MORNING FOG/LOW CLOUDS IN THE USUAL
SPOTS...KLWB/KBCB/KLYH...AND ISOLATED TO SCATTERED AFTERNOON/EVENING
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. OVERALL...CIGS AND VSBYS SHOULD BE VFR
MUCH OF THE TIME PERIOD.

&&

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

&&

SYNOPSIS...JH/PM
NEAR TERM...AMS/RAB
SHORT TERM...JH
LONG TERM...JH
AVIATION...AMS/PM/RCS

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 12, 6:55 PM EST, 5 hours 56 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
755 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

NCZ001-002-018-019-VAZ007-009-010-012-015-WVZ042-131100-
ASHE-ALLEGHANY NC-WATAUGA-WILKES-TAZEWELL-SMYTH-BLAND-WYTHE-GRAYSON-
MERCER-
755 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST NORTH
CAROLINA...SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AND SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS REMAIN POSSIBLE
OVERNIGHT. A FEW COULD BECOME STRONG TO SEVERE...BUT THE MAIN
THREAT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING WILL BE LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL.
WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS REMAIN POSSIBLE MONDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY. THE MAIN CONCERN WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS GUSTS. LARGE HAIL
MAY ALSO BE A THREAT WITH THUNDERSTORMS MONDAY AFTERNOON AND
EVENING AND AGAIN TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. LOCALIZED
FLOODING OR FLASH FLOODING WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE IN AREAS OF
HEAVIER RAINFALL AND LOCATIONS WHICH SEE REPEATED THUNDERSTORMS
DURING THE PERIOD.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

NCZ003>006-020-VAZ011-013-014-016>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-
059-WVZ043-044-507-508-131100-
SURRY-STOKES-ROCKINGHAM-CASWELL-YADKIN-GILES-PULASKI-MONTGOMERY-
CARROLL-FLOYD-CRAIG-ALLEGHANY VA-BATH-ROANOKE-BOTETOURT-ROCKBRIDGE-
PATRICK-FRANKLIN-BEDFORD-AMHERST-HENRY-PITTSYLVANIA-CAMPBELL-
APPOMATTOX-BUCKINGHAM-HALIFAX-CHARLOTTE-SUMMERS-MONROE-
EASTERN GREENBRIER-WESTERN GREENBRIER-
755 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL NORTH
CAROLINA...NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA...CENTRAL VIRGINIA...SOUTH
CENTRAL VIRGINIA...SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA...WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND
SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS REMAIN POSSIBLE MONDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY. THE MAIN CONCERN WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS GUSTS. LARGE HAIL
MAY ALSO BE A THREAT WITH THUNDERSTORMS MONDAY AFTERNOON AND
EVENING AND AGAIN TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. LOCALLY HEAVY
RAINFALL CAN ALSO BE EXPECTED. AREAS THAT SEE REPEATED
THUNDERSTORMS DURING THE PERIOD COULD EXPERIENCE FLOODING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

RAB

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 12, 10:06 PM EST, 2 hours 45 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1106 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

VAZ018-019-022-023-033-034-WVZ507-508-130400-
ROANOKE-CRAIG-BOTETOURT-BEDFORD-FRANKLIN-ALLEGHANY-WESTERN
GREENBRIER-EASTERN GREENBRIER-
1106 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

...AN AREA OF HEAVY RAINFALL AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TO IMPACT
EASTERN CRAIG...EASTERN ROANOKE...EASTERN FRANKLIN...CITY OF
ROANOKE...BOTETOURT...CITY OF COVINGTON...WESTERN
ALLEGHANY...BEDFORD AND GREENBRIER COUNTIES THROUGH MIDNIGHT EDT...

AT 1101 PM EDT...A PERISTENT NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST ORIENTED BAND OF
HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS EXTENDED FROM
RAINELLE...TO LEWISBURG...TO NEW CASTLE...TO ROANOKE CITY...TO
SNOWVILLE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH. REPEATED HEAVY RAINFALL IS
LIKELY AT CERTAIN SPOTS WITHIN THIS AREA...WHICH COULD LEAD TO
LOCALIZED FLOODING. FLOOD ADVISORIES ARE CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR
PARTS OF ROANOKE...CRAIG...AND GREENBRIER COUNTIES.

SOME LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
LEWISBURG...
NEW CASTLE...
ROANOKE...
VINTON...
AND BEDFORD.

THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE FAIRGROUNDS...THE SALEM FAIRGROUNDS...THE
NATIONAL D DAY MEMORIAL...AND ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT.

VERY HEAVY RAINFALL IS OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS WHICH MAY RESULT
IN LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS. THE WATER MAY BE TOO GREAT TO PROCEED SAFELY. TURN
AROUND...DONT DROWN.

LAT...LON 3817 8036 3811 8036 3804 8022 3724 7933
      3703 7951 3705 7954 3704 7960 3693 7962
      3685 7971 3751 8030 3753 8028 3754 8033
      3756 8033 3763 8022 3771 8034 3769 8038
      3772 8039 3770 8048 3798 8074 3820 8040
TIME...MOT...LOC 0301Z 292DEG 11KT 3754 8015

RAB

Special weather statement, Jul 12, 10:30 PM EST, 2 hours 21 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1130 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

VAZ007-010-011-WVZ042-130430-
TAZEWELL-BLAND-GILES-MERCER-
1130 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL AFFECT WESTERN
GILES...NORTHEASTERN TAZEWELL...BLAND AND MERCER COUNTIES THROUGH
1230 PM EDT...

AT 1128 PM EDT...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WERE DEVELOPING ACROSS MUCH OF
MERCER COUNTY FROM WEST OF BLUEFIELD TO PRINCETON AND NORTH TO FLAT
TOP...MOVING EAST-SOUTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS LIKELY WITH THESE STORMS...WHICH COULD
QUICKLY LEAD TO FLOODING OF LOW-LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS.
PONDING OF WATER ON ROADWAYS IS LIKELY. IF HEAVY RAINFALL
PERSISTS...A FLOOD OR FLASH FLOOD WARNING MAY BE REQUIRED.

WINDS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH ARE ALSO POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
BLUEFIELD...
BLAND...
PRINCETON...
ATHENS...
AND MATOAKA.

THIS INCLUDES MERCER COUNTY AIRPORT.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS ALSO OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM...AND MAY CAUSE
LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

LAT...LON 3742 8131 3741 8129 3742 8128 3745 8130
      3747 8129 3748 8127 3750 8126 3751 8122
      3753 8121 3741 8081 3705 8098 3705 8103
      3703 8110 3724 8143
TIME...MOT...LOC 0328Z 279DEG 24KT 3727 8113

RAB

Special weather statement, Jul 12, 11:14 PM EST, 1 hour 37 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1214 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

VAZ010>014-WVZ044-130515-
WYTHE-MONTGOMERY-BLAND-PULASKI-GILES-MONROE-
1214 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
CITY OF RADFORD...PULASKI...GILES...WESTERN MONTGOMERY...NORTHEASTERN
WYTHE...EAST CENTRAL BLAND AND SOUTHWESTERN MONROE COUNTIES...

AT 1213 AM EDT...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM PEMBROKE TO NEAR DUBLIN TO PATTERSON...AND MOVING
EAST AT 30 MPH. VERY HEAVY RAINFALL...FREQUENT CLOUD-TO-GROUND
LIGHTNING...AND WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS ACTIVITY.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
BLACKSBURG...
CHRISTIANSBURG...
RADFORD...
PULASKI...
AND PEARISBURG.

THIS INCLUDES VIRGINIA TECH.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS ALSO OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS...AND MAY
CAUSE LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

LAT...LON 3721 8090 3744 8080 3743 8047 3734 8044
      3733 8045 3732 8043 3736 8032 3705 8039
      3700 8041 3702 8045 3701 8052 3700 8052
      3694 8060 3694 8063 3690 8068 3687 8076
      3698 8107
TIME...MOT...LOC 0413Z 285DEG 28KT 3734 8066 3714 8067 3687 8081

RAB

Special weather statement, Jul 13, 12:01 AM EST, 50 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
101 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

VAZ033-034-044-130600-
PITTSYLVANIA-BEDFORD-FRANKLIN-
101 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN
PITTSYLVANIA...EASTERN FRANKLIN AND SOUTHWESTERN BEDFORD COUNTIES...

AT 1259 AM EDT...AN AREA OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS LOCATED FROM
NEAR GOODVIEW ACROSS THE NORTH END OF SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE...MOVING
SOUTHEAST AT 10 MPH.

VERY HEAVY RAINFALL CAN BE EXPECTED WITH THIS ACTIVITY...POTENTIALLY
1 TO 1.5 INCHES OF RAIN IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. FREQUENT LIGHTNING CAN
ALSO BE EXPECTED. WINDS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THESE
STORMS.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
GRETNA...
PENHOOK...
MONETA...
NORTH SHORE...
AND NORTHWEST SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS...AND MAY CAUSE
LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM.
LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE 15 MILES AWAY FROM A THUNDERSTORM. SEEK A SAFE
SHELTER INSIDE A BUILDING OR VEHICLE.

LAT...LON 3715 7984 3725 7964 3707 7945 3706 7944
      3706 7943 3695 7932 3683 7964 3685 7964
      3683 7967 3683 7970 3681 7973
TIME...MOT...LOC 0459Z 331DEG 8KT 3715 7970

RAB

Special weather statement, Jul 13, 12:08 AM EST, 43 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
108 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

VAZ013-014-016-017-022-032-033-130600-
ROANOKE-MONTGOMERY-FLOYD-CARROLL-PULASKI-PATRICK-FRANKLIN-
108 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
CENTRAL PATRICK...SOUTHEASTERN PULASKI...SOUTHWESTERN ROANOKE...
WESTERN FRANKLIN...FLOYD...EASTERN MONTGOMERY AND EASTERN CARROLL
COUNTIES...

AT 107 AM EDT...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM NEAR ELLISTON-LAFAYETTE TO NEAR FLOYD TO NEAR
GROUNDHOG MOUNTAIN...AND MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

VERY HEAVY RAINFALL AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING CAN BE EXPECTED WITH THIS
ACTIVITY. WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE AS WELL.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
CHRISTIANSBURG...
ROCKY MOUNT...
HILLSVILLE...
FLOYD...
AND BOONES MILL.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS...AND MAY CAUSE
LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM.
LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE 15 MILES AWAY FROM A THUNDERSTORM. SEEK A SAFE
SHELTER INSIDE A BUILDING OR VEHICLE.

LAT...LON 3656 8064 3685 8083 3688 8074 3690 8076
      3702 8043 3735 8032 3704 7976 3679 8003
      3679 8007 3678 8010 3677 8009 3656 8062
TIME...MOT...LOC 0507Z 310DEG 23KT 3723 8025 3690 8028 3665 8049

RAB

Special weather statement, Jul 13, 12:46 AM EST, 5 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
146 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

VAZ013-014-017-130630-
MONTGOMERY-FLOYD-PULASKI-
146 AM EDT MON JUL 13 2015

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
CITY OF RADFORD...EASTERN PULASKI...NORTHWESTERN FLOYD AND MONTGOMERY
COUNTIES...

AT 144 AM EDT...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM PRICES FORK TO RADFORD TO NEAR CLAYTOR LAKE STATE
PARK...AND MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

FREQUENT CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING AND VERY HEAVY RAINFALL IS
EXPECTED WITH THIS ACTIVITY. FLOODING OF LOW-LYING...FLOOD
PRONE...AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS IS LIKELY.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
BLACKSBURG...
CHRISTIANSBURG...
RADFORD...
PULASKI...
AND DUBLIN.

THIS INCLUDES VIRGINIA TECH.

VERY HEAVY RAINFALL OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS...AND MAY CAUSE
LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THESE STORMS.
LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE 15 MILES AWAY FROM A THUNDERSTORM. SEEK A SAFE
SHELTER INSIDE A BUILDING OR VEHICLE.

LAT...LON 3718 8071 3722 8068 3727 8051 3730 8046
      3719 8018 3712 8018 3701 8029 3691 8062
      3713 8082
TIME...MOT...LOC 0544Z 305DEG 25KT 3720 8049 3707 8051 3700 8062

RAB

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 61 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:50 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

30 thunderstorm wind, 5 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Bedford

When: July 13, 12:51 AM EST
Where: Bedford County, 7.47 mi S of Stone Mt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.073, -79.592

Quarter size hail fell on Planters Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tazewell

When: July 13, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Tazewell County, 4.46 mi SSW of Pucketts Store
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.970, -81.630

Thunderstorm winds down several trees in the Tannersville area. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tazewell

When: July 13, 5:08 PM EST to 5:36 PM EST
Where: Tazewell County, 1.51 mi ENE of Horsepen to 6.23 mi S of Malden Spgs
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.242, -81.497

Thunderstorm winds downed trees across the county. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Smyth

When: July 13, 5:10 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where: Smyth County, 3.83 mi NNW of Marion to 1.49 mi NNW of Marion
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.880, -81.530

Thunderstorms blew down trees near Lake Drive in the vicinity of Hungry Mother State Park. Also, numerous large tree limbs were blown down on the north side of Marion, VA. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Smyth

When: July 13, 5:17 PM EST
Where: Smyth County, 0.55 mi W of Saltville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.880, -81.760

More than two trees were blown down in the town of Saltville. Damage values are estimated.

Hail, Tazewell

When: July 13, 5:17 PM EST
Where: Tazewell County, 0.88 mi NE of Cedar Bluff
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 37.090, -81.760

Thunderstorm Wind, Smyth

When: July 13, 5:36 PM EST
Where: Smyth County, 0.55 mi W of Chilhowie
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.800, -81.680

Thunderstorm winds blew a couple of trees down in Chilhowie. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Giles

When: July 13, 5:40 PM EST
Where: Giles County, 0.88 mi SW of Narrows
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.320, -80.830

Thunderstorm winds blew trees down near Wolf Creek. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Giles

When: July 13, 5:56 PM EST
Where: Giles County, 1.49 mi NNW of Hoges Chapel
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.340, -80.610

Thunderstorm wind blew trees down near Pembroke. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Giles

When: July 13, 5:58 PM EST
Where: Giles County, 1.3 mi WSW of Mountain View
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.270, -80.690

Thunderstorm winds blew trees down near Eggleston. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: July 13, 6:05 PM EST
Where: Grayson County, 0.89 mi SE of Rugby
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.610, -81.440

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on York Ridge Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When: July 13, 6:06 PM EST
Where: Carroll County, 2.95 mi WNW of Woodlawn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.744, -80.864

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along Mount Zion Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: July 13, 6:08 PM EST to 6:10 PM EST
Where: Grayson County, Elk Creek to Spring Vly
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.720, -81.180

Thunderstorm wind blew two trees down. The first tree was blown down on Comers Rock Road. The second tree was blown down on Spring Valley Road. Damage values are estimated.

Hail, Pulaski

When: July 13, 6:10 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 1.3 mi ESE of Fairlawn
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.140, -80.580

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When: July 13, 6:13 PM EST
Where: Carroll County, 2.98 mi NNW of Dugspur
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.860, -80.640

Thunderstorm winds blew one tree down along Panther Creek Road near Dugspur. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: July 13, 6:32 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 2.65 mi SW of Willis
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.820, -80.510

Thunderstorm wind blew trees down near Willis. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: July 13, 6:42 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, Floyd
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.920, -80.320

Thunderstorm winds blew trees down around Floyd. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Roanoke

When: July 13, 6:52 PM EST to 7:05 PM EST
Where: Roanoke County, 0.93 mi E of Roanoke City to 1.4 mi E of Roanoke City
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.271, -79.933

Thunderstorm wind down several trees on the southeast portion of the City of Roanoke, near and just north of Jackson Park. Trees were reported down at the intersection of 9th Street and Murray Avenue, Jamison Avenue, 12th Street, Montrose Avenue, Tazewell Avenue, and 6th Street. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: July 13, 7:00 PM EST to 7:02 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 2.61 mi WNW of Ferrum to 0.69 mi S of Ferrum
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.940, -80.060

Thunderstorm winds blew several trees down in parts of Ferrum and also in neighboring country roads not far outside of the west side of town. Trees were reported down on Route 781, Sawmill Road, Thompson Ridge Road, Franklin Street and Turners Creek Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Campbell

When: July 13, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Campbell County, 1.49 mi SSE of Lone Jack
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.330, -79.110

Thunderstorm wind blew a couple of trees down in the Sunnymead area. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Roanoke

When: July 13, 7:02 PM EST
Where: Roanoke County, 2.72 mi SE of Starkey
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.170, -79.968

Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree along Back Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Roanoke

When: July 13, 7:07 PM EST to 7:08 PM EST
Where: Roanoke County, 0.88 mi SE of Vinton to 1.18 mi SSW of Lindenwood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $6,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.270, -79.890

Thunderstorm wind blew several trees down in the Vinton area. On Halifax Circle, a fallen tree caused the road to be closed. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Henry

When: July 13, 7:25 PM EST
Where: Henry County, 1.49 mi NNW of Hilltop
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.720, -79.860

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along Amos Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: July 13, 7:40 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 0.88 mi NE of Union Hall
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.010, -79.690

Thunderstorm winds blew a power line down in Union Hall. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pittsylvania

When: July 13, 8:05 PM EST
Where: Pittsylvania County, 1.8 mi ENE of Dry Fork
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.760, -79.390

Thunderstorm winds blew one tree down along Dry Fork Road in Dry Fork, VA. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Campbell

When: July 13, 8:18 PM EST
Where: Campbell County, 2.14 mi SSW of Lone Jack
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.320, -79.130

Thunderstorm winds blew two trees down along Sunnymeade Road near Rustburg, VA. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Campbell

When: July 13, 8:20 PM EST
Where: Campbell County, 0.55 mi E of Gladys
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.170, -79.070

Thunderstorm winds blew two trees down along Route 501 South in Gladys, VA. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: July 13, 8:25 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 4.96 mi SSW of Barksdale
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.550, -79.190

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down across Pointer Road. Damage values are estimated.

Hail, Charlotte

When: July 13, 8:27 PM EST
Where: Charlotte County, 1.77 mi SW of Womacks
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.060, -78.720

Thunderstorm Wind, Campbell

When: July 13, 8:31 PM EST
Where: Campbell County, 3.37 mi WSW of Concord
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.340, -79.040

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along Oxford Furnace Road west of Concord, VA. Damage values are estimated.

Hail, Charlotte

When: July 13, 8:42 PM EST
Where: Charlotte County, 1.1 mi W of Reese Shop
Measured: 1 in hail
Crop damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.000, -78.700

Quarter size hail caused damage to tobacco crop. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: July 13, 8:54 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 0.88 mi SW of Acorn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.960, -78.980

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along Highway 501 near the intersection with State Shed Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: July 13, 9:16 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 1.66 mi E of Omega
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.670, -78.770

Thunderstorm winds downed trees along Route 58 in Halifax County. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charlotte

When: July 13, 9:31 PM EST
Where: Charlotte County, 0.55 mi W of Drakes Branch
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.000, -78.610

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along Saxkey Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charlotte

When: July 13, 9:35 PM EST
Where: Charlotte County, 0.88 mi NE of Keysville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.060, -78.470

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down along U.S. 360 near Keysville, VA. Damage values are estimated.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history Warnings in Virginia, July 2015

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: 589873, 589876, 594412, 594421, 592849, 592850, 592851, 592852, 592853, 592854, 592856, 592857, 592858, 592855, 592859, 592860, 592861, 592862, 592863, 592866, 595719, 592864, 592867, 594413, 594414, 592877, 592878, 592880, 592883, 592881, 592884, 592887, 592886, 592900, 592899.