A cold front moved into a moisture-rich and hot Summertime air mass and triggered showers and storms. One of these storms increased to severe levels, producing damaging winds.
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 cold front moved into a moisture-rich and hot Summertime air mass and triggered showers and storms. One of these storms increased to severe levels, producing damaging winds.
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 11, 2:22 PM EST, 3 hours 16 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 322 PM EDT Wed Jul 11 2018 .SYNOPSIS... A cold front will slide south of the area tonight before stalling over the Carolinas Thursday. High pressure will build across the region from the north Thursday and remain in place through much of the weekend. Increasing heat and humidity should return along with better chances of showers and storms ahead of the next cold front by early next week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 245 PM EDT Wednesday... Initial band of pre-frontal westerly flow convergence aided convection continues to sink southeast west of the Blue Ridge this afternoon in advance of the actual surface cold front advancing south into the Blue Ridge. Still expecting overall better coverage including perhaps isolated stronger storms to finally taking shape over the south/east as moisture and the front work into increasing instability through late afternoon. This still suggested via several short term solutions including the HRRR in having at least a broken band of showers/storms pivot south into North Carolina as the upper shortwave trough to the north also spills south and perhaps a weak wave develops. Although this may be overdone, plan to keep going overall higher chance pops in place with likelys in spots across southern/eastern sections into the evening, and little pop remaining behind the front across the far northwest. 850 mb boundary should finally push south across the region overnight as the wave aloft slides through allowing for a more easterly trajectory to take shape. This may actually tend to hold in some low clouds over the south and west with residual showers possible mainly southern half through early Thursday. Otherwise clearing and cooler north/west with more clouds under higher dewpoints lingering south. Lows 58-64 northwest to mid/upper 60s south and east. Weak high pressure to build north of the region Thursday as the front settles to the south. Models suggest plenty of drying aloft with only southern sections holding onto higher dewpoints as the flow turns more easterly. This should allow things to mix out from north to south as heating gets going Thursday with perhaps clouds lingering southern Blue Ridge sections a bit longer. Latest guidance also showing some instability over the far southern and southwest sections where most solutions insist on added convection mainly NC mountains Thursday afternoon. This where a more southeast upslope component will develop beneath some pooling of low level moisture per latest forecast soundings. Since supported by the latest SREF will keep pops for a few southwestern counties, but not go as wet as the GFS in lingering showers southeast into the afternoon where a punch of better drying looks to take shape. Should be a bit cooler and less humid with highs mostly low/mid 80s with 70s at elevation pending the degree of insolation. && .SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/... As of 315 PM EDT Wednesday... Ridge of high pressure will extend from Halifax/New Brunswick area of eastern Canada southwest into the Blacksburg forecast area through much of the short term period - supporting near normal temperatures and dry conditions for most areas. Exception will be across the NW NC mountains into the Grayson Highlands of SW VA, where combination of upsloping easterly flow on the periphery of the high pressure to the NE and a slightly moister/richer Theta-E airmass will exist. This combination will support the development of mainly diurnally-driven mid-afternoon into early evening isolated to widely scattered showers or thunderstorms. Given the isolated nature of any storms that develop, even across the high country, many areas throughout the entire short- term period will remain dry rather than wet. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 315 PM EDT Wednesday... Slightly warmer temperatures along with a slowly increasing threat for showers and thunderstorms, both temporally and spatially, is expected during the long-term period as surface high pressure moves away from the mid-Atlantic region - allowing surface winds to gradually veer into more of a south to southwesterly component. Longer range models reflect a series of weak, but randomly spaced and difficult to time short waves embedded in westerly flow aloft - each of which will support development of widely scattered to scatted showers/storms maximized during and near time of peak heating. Although threat for convective activity will exist just about anywhere in the Blacksburg forecast area, a somewhat higher threat will be maintained in the mountains due to upsloping flow across the western flanks of the Appalachians coupled with better differential heating due to local topographical influences. By late in the forecast period, specifically in the late Tuesday night into Wednesday timeframe, the GFS model is rather bullish in driving a cool front southeast into or through the mid-Atlantic region, whereas the ECMWF washes this feature out and waits for a better reinforcing shot of cooler/drier air which arrives after this forecast period (Thursday into Friday). At the present time, the ECMWF solution is preferred considering the tendency of cool fronts having a hard time maintaining their integrity this time of year this far south in a nearly zonal flow - with the more aggressive models often backing away/slowing the timing of such arrivals a day or two as the event nears. Regardless, sufficient pre-frontal clouds and lack of strong high pressure aloft will hold temperatures to only a few degrees above normal - and certainly no where close to record readings. && .AVIATION /19Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 1245 PM EDT Wednesday... Surface front continues to slowly work in from the north and should pass south of the region by early this evening. This front will promote scattered showers and thunderstorms, some of which will produce gusty winds this afternoon and evening. Mean wind will cause storms to drift from NW/300 deg to SE at about 15 kts. Greatest coverage is expected from 17Z/1PM- 02Z/10PM from KBLF south initially, then across eastern locations primarily KLYH/KDAN including points south and east from mid afternoon into early this evening. Look for isolated damaging wind gusts and strong outflows within the vicinity of the storm activity along with periods of heavy rainfall. The surface front is expected to drift south into the Carolinas tonight and Thursday with high pressure building in from the north Thursday into Friday. Prefrontal winds are expected to be out of the west, followed by a shift to the north/northeast post frontal...speeds generally under 10 kts, but with higher gusts within the vicinity of thunderstorms until they fade out after midnight. Could see some patchy fog espcly east in the wake of earlier convection and along a few of the river bottoms but low confidence. Thus only included a vsby reduction due to fog at KLWB with potential brief IFR possible late tonight. May also see a period of MVFR cigs across southern and western locations Thursday morning before clouds fade to widespread VFR by afternoon under a drier easterly trajectory. Appears the best chance at seeing a shower or storm Thursday will be along the southern Blue Ridge, but mainly southwest of any of the TAF sites at this point. Extended Aviation... High pressure will return with VFR conditions Friday through Saturday before moisture increases ahead of the next upstream cold front by early next week. This may allow for isolated convection, including localized restrictions to ceilings and visibilities, to become more widespread especially mountains by Monday afternoon. However confidence is too low to pinpoint where the showers and thunderstorms may occur. && .EQUIPMENT... As of 300 PM EDT Wednesday... The NOAA weather radio transmitter in Hinton, West Virginia, WXM72 broadcasting on a frequency of 162.425 MHz, remains off the air. Work is expected to be completed later today July 11th, and we are hopeful that service will be restored this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...JH NEAR TERM...JH SHORT TERM...WERT LONG TERM...WERT AVIATION...JH/PM EQUIPMENT...PM
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 926 AM EDT Wed Jul 11 2018 NCZ004-005-VAZ023-024-121330- Stokes-Rockingham-Botetourt-Rockbridge- 926 AM EDT Wed Jul 11 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ001>003-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-032-WVZ042>044-507-508-121330- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Watauga-Wilkes-Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland- Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Patrick-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- Western Greenbrier- 926 AM EDT Wed Jul 11 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ006-VAZ022-033>035-043>047-058-059-121330- Caswell-Roanoke-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell- Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte- 926 AM EDT Wed Jul 11 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Strong to isolated severe thunderstorms producing localized damaging winds, hail, and very heavy rainfall will be possible along a passing cold front this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA 450 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018 VAZ044-112115- Pittsylvania- 450 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHWESTERN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY... Until 515 PM EDT At 450 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Callands, moving south at 15 mph. Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Chatham... Blairs... Callands... Swansonville... and Dry Fork. LAT...LON 3664 7963 3692 7963 3691 7941 3665 7928 TIME...MOT...LOC 2050Z 002DEG 13KT 3684 7953 JR
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
459 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
VAZ007-009-015-112145-
Tazewell-Grayson-Smyth-
459 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT
SMYTH...SOUTHWESTERN TAZEWELL AND SOUTHWESTERN GRAYSON COUNTIES...
Until 545 PM EDT
At 458 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Chilhowie,
moving southeast at 20 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Marion...
Saltville...
Chilhowie...
Whitetop...
and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
LAT...LON 3696 8178 3703 8181 3708 8163 3664 8125
3657 8143 3659 8167 3661 8165 3662 8162
3664 8161 3664 8162 3679 8170 3691 8182
3693 8183
TIME...MOT...LOC 2058Z 336DEG 18KT 3685 8163
JRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
535 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
VAZ058-112200-
Halifax-
535 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT
SOUTHWESTERN HALIFAX COUNTY...
Until 600 PM EDT
At 535 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Cluster
Springs, moving southeast at 35 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
South Boston...
Halifax...
Turbeville...
Hitesburg...
and Cluster Springs.
LAT...LON 3659 7871 3659 7872 3658 7872 3658 7873
3656 7874 3654 7873 3654 7897 3672 7915
3682 7900 3664 7871
TIME...MOT...LOC 2135Z 310DEG 32KT 3666 7896
JRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
545 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
NCZ006-VAZ044-112230-
Caswell-Pittsylvania-
545 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT
CASWELL AND SOUTHEASTERN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF
DANVILLE...
Until 630 PM EDT
At 545 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Ringgold,
moving south at 30 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Danville...
Yanceyville...
Providence...
Jericho...
and Prospect Hill.
This includes The following Location Danville Airport.
LAT...LON 3625 7940 3669 7948 3675 7926 3662 7920
3654 7922 3654 7916 3650 7914 3624 7916
TIME...MOT...LOC 2145Z 348DEG 27KT 3659 7933
JRSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA 556 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018 NCZ004-005-VAZ032-043-112245- Stokes-Rockingham-Henry-Patrick- 556 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN STOKES...NORTHWESTERN ROCKINGHAM...SOUTHWESTERN HENRY AND SOUTHEASTERN PATRICK COUNTIES... Until 645 PM EDT At 556 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Patrick Springs, moving southeast at 15 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Mayodan... Madison... Stuart... Stoneville... and Spencer. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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. LAT...LON 3665 8031 3677 8015 3652 7979 3634 8003 TIME...MOT...LOC 2156Z 317DEG 13KT 3666 8017 Loconto
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
632 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
NCZ006-VAZ044-058-112315-
Caswell-Halifax-Pittsylvania-
632 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2018
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT
CASWELL...SOUTHEASTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND SOUTHWESTERN HALIFAX COUNTIES
AND THE SOUTHEASTERN CITY OF DANVILLE...
Until 715 PM EDT
At 632 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Hamer, moving
south at 5 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Danville...
Yanceyville...
Bethel...
Providence...
and Jericho.
This includes The following Location Danville Airport.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3625 7938 3654 7949 3667 7909 3654 7903
3654 7914 3624 7915
TIME...MOT...LOC 2232Z 345DEG 6KT 3645 7927
JRThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 104 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:35 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree and several wrist-size tree limbs down on Blanch Road in Blanch, NC. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds blew trees down near Chandler Mill Road. Damage reports are estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, July 2018
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: 774415, 774431.