A strong upper level disturbance passed across the central Appalachians, triggering scattered strong to severe thunderstorms. Strong daytime heating, with temperatures ranging from the mid 80s across the mountains to the low 90s across Piedmont, supported MLCAPE values ranging from 2000 to 3000 J/Kg east of the Blue Ridge.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS RNK wrote it up.
A strong upper level disturbance passed across the central Appalachians, triggering scattered strong to severe thunderstorms. Strong daytime heating, with temperatures ranging from the mid 80s across the mountains to the low 90s across Piedmont, supported MLCAPE values ranging from 2000 to 3000 J/Kg east of the Blue Ridge.
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 27, 2:54 PM EST, 1 hour 44 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 354 PM EDT Wed Jul 27 2016 .SYNOPSIS... A wavy front will be nearly stationary from the Mid Atlantic region to the mid Mississippi Valley through the end of the week. Weak impulses tracking along the front will combine with deep moisture to produce periodic rounds of showers and thunderstorms. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 220 PM EDT Wednesday... Expect convection that is developing from the Shenandoah Valley southwest to the mountains of Southwest Virginia into NW NC to continue through this evening generally moving in an east or southeast direction at 15 to 20 mph. Still a marginal risk for damaging winds as high pwats will lead to water loading. MLCAPEs running 2000-3000 J/KG though effective shear is a little lower than yesterday across the northern county warning area, mainly 25 kts. Plenty of lightning and heavy rain as well, so will have to watch for localized flooding if backbuilding or training cells occurs. As we head through overnight the models show weakening convection as weak upper support moves east. As we head to Thursday, models continue to advertise decent shortwave moving from the TN Valley into the eastern Ohio Valley. Better upper support with backing winds suggests that higher threat of showers and storms occurs over the mountains, though further east is limited some. Any cloud cover tonight into Thursday from blow off of upstream convection may inhibit stronger storms in the west, but should be more sunshine in the east. The Storm Prediction Center Day 2 has a slight risk of severe storms in our piedmont counties Thursday and marginal elsewhere. Looking for highs to ranging from the lower to mid 80s west to lower to mid 90s east. && .SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/... As of 330 PM EDT Wednesday... Overall synoptic pattern shows upper ridge across the western states with broad trough developing across the MS/OH valley as fairly strong short-wave helps to amplify the trough. This will spin up a weak surface low...currently forecast by the consensus of models to pass just to our northwest Thursday night and Friday with an axis of very high PWATS and the potential for significant rainfall mainly to our north and west. QPF ranges from less than 0.25 inches far southeast CWA up to possibly 1.50 inches far northwest. Recently issued WPC Day 2 (12z Thu-12z Fri) Excessive Rainfall outlook show an area of slight chance for excessive rainfall mainly north and west as well. Cannot rule out some hydro issues in our northern counties with this much rainfall but better likelihood north of the CWA where some Flood Watches have been or are likely to be issued. At this point no Flood Watches for our area but will have to monitor closely for any southward shifts in the expected area of heaviest rainfall. Partial clearing Friday into the weekend with little significant change in the overall pattern. Maintaining diurnal thunderstorm chances in the still moist and unstable air mass. Temperatures near to slightly above seasonal normals. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 330 PM EDT Wednesday... The generalized pattern over the CONUS will be slow to change in the extended period as upper ridge builds over the western states an broad troughing takes hold across the eastern U.S. Expect several shortwaves will crest the western ridge and help to amplify the eastern trough early in the period. Meanwhile a surface frontal boundary will persist in the vicinity of the mid-Atlantic through the period oscillating somewhat north and south in response to short- wave activity and modified by rounds of mainly afternoon/evening convection. The air mass will remain warm and humid through the period with daily highs near to slightly above normal and lows above normal due to the high humidity and considerable cloudiness at times. By Wednesday indications are that H5 heights will begin to rise again with somewhat drier and hotter conditions for mid-week period. && .AVIATION /20Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 120 PM EDT Wednesday... Convection will again be problematic as we head through the afternoon. Radar at issuance time shows a cluster of storms heading toward BLF therefore put a tempo group for moderate thunder here from 18-19z. Otherwise will keep VCTS in for the afternoon and amend as necessary when storms near terminals. Storms will end/weaken this evening with fog developing overnight. Similar to this morning, fog will be dense at LWB and possibly BCB/BLF, with MVFR possible at the other sites. Another cluster of storms should form in the mountains around or after 18z Thursday so nothing added to the terminals before 18z. Extended aviation discussion... The upper ridge will remain just south of the area and a residual front nearby through Monday. This should allow for periodic daily convective coverage. Appears more widespread sub-VFR possible with thunderstorms later Thursday with a stronger wave along the front with perhaps some decrease in coverage by the weekend as this feature passes. At least diurnal MVFR/IFR possible each afternoon/evening through Monday for now. Late night and early morning fog will likely occur at the usual valley locations, and those chances increase across the entire region if any rain occurs during the afternoon or evening at any site. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...AMS NEAR TERM...AMS/WP SHORT TERM...PC LONG TERM...PC AVIATION...WP
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA 953 AM EDT WED JUL 27 2016 NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059- WVZ042>044-507-508-281400- ASHE-ALLEGHANY NC-SURRY-STOKES-ROCKINGHAM-CASWELL-WATAUGA-WILKES- YADKIN-TAZEWELL-SMYTH-BLAND-GILES-WYTHE-PULASKI-MONTGOMERY-GRAYSON- CARROLL-FLOYD-CRAIG-ALLEGHANY VA-BATH-ROANOKE-BOTETOURT-ROCKBRIDGE- PATRICK-FRANKLIN-BEDFORD-AMHERST-HENRY-PITTSYLVANIA-CAMPBELL- APPOMATTOX-BUCKINGHAM-HALIFAX-CHARLOTTE-MERCER-SUMMERS-MONROE- EASTERN GREENBRIER-WESTERN GREENBRIER- 953 AM EDT WED JUL 27 2016 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...TODAY AND TONIGHT. STRONG TO ISOLATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL WILL BE POSSIBLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY. EXCESSIVE RAINFALL IS ALSO POSSIBLE AND MAY BRING A THREAT FOR FLOODING. THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER WILL BE LOWER THROUGH THE WEEKEND. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
505 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0427 PM TSTM WND DMG 4 ENE FERRUM 36.95N 79.95W
07/27/2016 FRANKLIN VA 911 CALL CENTER
ONE TREE DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF FRANKLIN STREET
AND PLEASANT HILL ROAD
&&
PWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
523 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0350 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 NW PENHOOK 37.02N 79.68W
07/27/2016 FRANKLIN VA 911 CALL CENTER
ONE FOOT DIAMETER TREE DOWN ON LAKESTONE ROAD
&&
PWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
528 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0427 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NNW FERRUM 36.92N 80.02W
07/27/2016 FRANKLIN VA 911 CALL CENTER
ONE TREE DOWN ON A VEHICLE ON FERRUM MOUNTAIN ROAD NEAR
THE INTERSECTION WITH FRANKLIN STREET
&&
PWSPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
533 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
NCZ005-006-272200-
ROCKINGHAM-CASWELL-
533 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT
SOUTHWESTERN CASWELL AND SOUTHEASTERN ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES...
AT 533 PM EDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS NEAR REIDSVILLE...MOVING
EAST AT 30 MPH.
WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH AND HALF INCH HAIL ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS
STORM.
LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
REIDSVILLE...
CAMP SPRINGS...
JERICHO...
LAWSONVILLE...
AND QUICK.
TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS ALSO OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM...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 3625 7970 3633 7974 3639 7968 3645 7946
3625 7931 3625 7953 3624 7953
TIME...MOT...LOC 2133Z 250DEG 26KT 3631 7962
JJMPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
535 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0323 PM TSTM WND DMG 5 WSW BOONES MILL 37.09N 80.03W
07/27/2016 FRANKLIN VA 911 CALL CENTER
ONE TREE DOWN ON CAHAS MOUNTAIN ROAD
&&
PWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
538 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2016
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0444 PM TSTM WND DMG CHALK LEVEL 36.92N 79.28W
07/27/2016 PITTSYLVANIA VA 911 CALL CENTER
MULTIPLE TREES DOWN THROUGHOUT THE TOWN
&&
PWThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 92 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:35 UTC.
10 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds along Highway 29. Two trees were also blown down across the northeast side of the community of Reidsville.
Several trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds along Highway 158.
Several trees and powerlines were blown down by thunderstorm winds along North Main Street in the community of King.
Several trees and power lines were blown down by thunderstorm winds along Tuttle Road.
Several trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds across the community of Madison.
A large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds on Antioch Church Road.
A large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds along Abtco Road. Another tree was blown down along Roaring River Road.
Thunderstorm winds brought down two trees within the western outskirts of the community of Wentworth.
A large tree was blown down by hunderstorm winds at the intersection of Brandon Hills Road and Neelie Road.
A large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds at the intersection of Highway 421 and Myers Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2016Every state in 2016This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, July 2016
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: 651309, 651310, 651317, 651312, 651318, 651322, 651324, 651319, 651320, 651321.