Scattered showers and thunderstorms in advance of and along a frontal boundary produced heavy rain which caused flash flooding across portions of central Virginia.
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 AKQ wrote it up.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms in advance of and along a frontal boundary produced heavy rain which caused flash flooding across portions of central Virginia.
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 Jun 2, 3:11 PM EST, 34 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
411 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018
.SYNOPSIS...
A very moist and unsettled weather pattern will remain in place
tonight through Sunday as low pressure is slow to push off the
coast on Sunday. The low finally moves off to the northeast on
Monday, as high pressure begins to build in from the west.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 400 PM Saturday...
Latest sfc analysis indicates sfc low pressure centered over SE
VA, with the upper low lagging back a bit to the W, centered
across central VA. Made no changes from the earlier expansion of
the Flash Flood Watch, remaining in effect over south central
and interior SE VA through midnight, and the remainder of the
area through 6 am Sunday.
The overall setup, with corfidi vectors nearly opposite of the
mean flow aloft through tonight will lead to slow moving and/or
backbuilding storms. This, combined with the continued
unseasonably high precipitable water values of 2+ inches and the
warm cloud depth of >4000m would indicate that any stronger
storm would be very efficient rain producers and this has been
the case thus far today. Hampton Roads has thus far received
little to no rain, but as the upper low moves E this evening,
would expect the storms to become more numerous there as well. The
rain will taper some overnight simply due to the loss of
daytime heating, but there is a chance for continued heavier
rain to the north of the low in the deformation axis aloft. As
such, have continued with categorical pops across the north for
the entire night, but tapered to chance across the south as
models indicate some drier air and less upward motion to the
south of the upper low.
Sunday continues to look unsettled with locally heavy rain again
for areas generally along/north of I-64 as the upper low remains
stationary across the area. However, may be tough to see much
in the way of thunder on Sunday given the relatively stable NE
flow. In fact, Sunday may be more rain vs. showers, however for
simplicity have opted to go with showers. Depending on the
evolution of the low, may need to extend the flash flood watch
into Sunday, but for now have opted to end it at 6am Sun
morning. Best chances for rain across the south may be in the
afternoon with some instability, but have opted to keep PoPs
fairly simple for the day with categorical pops north tapering
to chance to likely south. Have also continued the trend of
lowering temps on Sunday with temps upper 60s MD eastern shore
to low 80s NE NC. Will likely be breezy along the coast north of
Cape Charles. OXB may see some gusts to 30 mph Sunday with
onshore flow.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 400 PM Saturday...
Upper low/trough axis progged to be just off the coast by Sunday
evening, and will be shoved well offshore fairly quickly as a
secondary upper trough swings E through the Great Lakes. Thus,
after some lingering showers Sunday evening, drier air will
bring diminishing chances for rain Sunday night. Mostly cloudy,
then becoming partly cloudy overnight. Lows mainly in the 60s,
but some upper 50s may make it into the NW counties. For
Mon/Tue, WNW flow aloft with main shortwaves staying off to our
N will make for a welcome drying trend. Generally looking at
partly to mostly sunny/clear conditions with aftn dew pts into
the 50s both days. Highs will avg in the upper 70s to lower 80s
with lows Mon night/early tue into the 50s/around 60 f inland
and lower-mid 60s at the coast. Some potential fro some late day
tstms from the NW on Tue, but overall there a low chance (~20%)
confined to far northern counties.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 400 PM Saturday...
An upper low (coupled with sfc low pressure) drops SE from southern
Canada to the northeastern US from Tuesday through Thursday AM. This
will lead to another chance of showers/t-storms as the associated
cold front approaches the CWA by the middle of next week. The latest
02/12z GFS is starting to come into agreement with the ECMWF. Both
models now bring the front through (with isolated to scattered
showers/t-storms) Tuesday night-Wednesday AM. Dry weather then
returns through at least Thursday (perhaps an isolated t-storm
during the afternoon/evening hours on Wed-Thu in the far
southern/western parts of the CWA). The 02/12z GFS solution would
imply that shower/t-storm chances return on Friday. On the other
hand, the latest 12z ECMWF has zero QPF throughout the CWA from
Wednesday night through the end of the day on Friday. Rain chances
then return next weekend as surface low pressure approaches from the
west.
Currently have no higher than chance PoPs for Tue night-Wed AM since
any showers/t-storms will only be isolated to scattered. Milder
weather (and lower dewpoints) expected on Wednesday and Thursday
with highs between 77-84 and lows in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Warming up slightly on Friday/Saturday with highs in the mid to
upper 80s.
&&
.AVIATION /20Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 230 PM Saturday...
A large area of showers and thunderstorms has developed across
the Piedmont. In addition, there are a few thunderstorms ongoing in
the vicinity of SBY. A few showers (some with heavy rain) have
started to develop in and around RIC. Expect showers to become
more widespread across RIC (and eventually PHF/ORF/ECG) after
20z this afternoon as low pressure slowly dives southeastward.
Brief IFR visibilities can be expected due to heavy rain.
Ceilings should remain VFR/MVFR through 03z tonight. Widespread
showers (and perhaps a few t-storms) will last through 02-04z at
PHF/ORF/ECG before decreasing in coverage tonight. At RIC,
expect at least scattered showers to last through the night. At
SBY, expect showers/t-storms to last through the early evening
hours before additional showers move in after 06z tonight.
Difficult to pinpoint where thunder will occur, so went with SHRA
at all sites except for SBY (where thunderstorms are very close
to the airport as of 18z). Ceilings lower to IFR levels at
RIC/SBY/PHF (with low-end MVFR at ORF) tonight. Cigs should lift
to MVFR at RIC/PHF tomorrow morning, but could possibly remain
IFR through around noon at SBY. Scattered showers continue
throughout the day on Sunday (most widespread at RIC/SBY). In
addition, gusty NE winds to ~20 kt are expected at SBY on Sun.
Outlook: Flight restrictions are likely thru Sun night as the
area of low pressure slowly moves offshore. Dry weather (with
likely VFR conditions) finally returns on Monday.
&&
.MARINE...
As of 330 PM Saturday...
Sfc low pressure currently developing over SE VA this aftn, as
high pressure builds north of the area. The low will slowly
slide east tonight, with a strengthening pressure gradient over
northern waters allowing for increasing winds/waves/seas.
Maintained previous headlines for the most part, with the gale
watch now converted to a SCA where gusts will mainly top off
around 30 kt. SCA conditions still not expected over southern
wtrs over next few periods (through Sun night), so held off on
headlines there. Better chance there is Mon morning as the sfc
low pushes offshore. High pressure builds in from the NW by mid
week allowing winds/seas to drop below SCA levels.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
As of 900 AM EDT Saturday...
With areas of locally heavy rain expected later today and
tonight, potential exists for river flooding. Current forecasts
have Palmyra rising above flood stage by on Sunday. Have not yet
issued a River flood Warning but will address this later today.
Depending on where the heavy rain falls this aftn and tonight,
additional river flooding will be possible across the Basin.
&&
.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
As of 330 PM EDT Sat...
Potential still exists for minor tidal flooding with the high tide
cycle Sunday night/early Monday morning at OXB with levels reaching
action stage at Chincoteague / Cambridge / Bishops Head / Lewisetta
and Bayford.
It still appears less likely south of this region as the low is progged
to exit off the coast near Va Beach Sun then slowly track east across
the VaCapes Sun night and Mon.
Expect a high risk of rip currents Sunday north of Cape Charles, low
to the south.
&&
.CLIMATE...
As of 530 PM EDT Friday...
Preliminary May 2018 climate numbers:
RIC:
* 73.4 F avg temperature (ranks as 2nd warmest). Warmest is
74.6 F/1896.
* Monthly rainfall total is 10.35" which ranks as the wettest
May on record. (breaking the old record of 9.79" in 2016).
(Precipitation records date back to 1880).
ORF:
* 73.6 F (73.596 F to be precise) avg temperature (ranks as
warmest on record). Warmest had been 73.6 F (73.565 F to be
precise)/1880.
* Monthly rainfall total is 7.68". This ranks as the 8th
wettest May on Record (wettest is 10.12" in 1979).
(Precipitation records date back to 1871).
SBY:
* 69.0 F avg temperature (ranks as 4th warmest). Warmest is
70.2 F/1944.
* Monthly rainfall total is 9.79". This ranks as the 2nd
wettest May on record (wettest is 10.38" in 1948).
(Precipitation records date back to 1906).
ECG:
* 73.9 F avg temperature (ranks as 2nd warmest). Warmest is
74.0 F/1944. (records date back to 1934).
&&
.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for MDZ021>025.
NC...None.
VA...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for VAZ048-062-064-069-
075>078-081>086-509>522.
Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for VAZ089-090-093-
095>098-523>525.
Flash Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for VAZ060-061-
065>068-079-080-087-088-092.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from noon Sunday to 4 PM EDT Monday for
ANZ654.
Small Craft Advisory from 4 AM Sunday to 4 PM EDT Monday for
ANZ650-652.
Small Craft Advisory from 7 AM Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday for
ANZ630.
Small Craft Advisory from noon Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday for
ANZ631.
&&
SYNOPSIS...LKB
NEAR TERM...LKB
SHORT TERM...LKB/MRD
LONG TERM...ERI
AVIATION...ERI/MPR
MARINE...MAS
HYDROLOGY...
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
CLIMATE...Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 MDZ021>025-VAZ048-062-064-069-075>078-081>086-509>522-031615- Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches- Fluvanna-Goochland-Caroline-Powhatan-Westmoreland-Richmond- Northumberland-Lancaster-Prince George-Charles City-New Kent- Gloucester-Middlesex-Mathews-Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa- Western Hanover-Eastern Hanover-Western Chesterfield- Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)- Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico- Western King William-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen- Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex- 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, central Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north central Virginia and south 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. Flash Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Locally heavy downpours are possible again on Sunday which could produce minor flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. VAZ089-090-093-095>098-523>525-031615- Surry-James City-Isle of Wight-Norfolk/Portsmouth-Suffolk-Chesapeake- Virginia Beach-York-Newport News-Hampton/Poquoson- 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for 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. Flash Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Locally heavy downpours are possible again on Sunday which could produce minor flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. VAZ060-061-065>068-079-080-087-088-092-031615- Prince Edward-Cumberland-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia- Brunswick-Dinwiddie-Greensville-Sussex-Southampton- 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, south central Virginia and 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. Flash Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Locally heavy downpours are possible again on Sunday which could produce minor flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. VAZ099-100-031615- Accomack-Northampton- 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Locally heavy rainfall from thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening may produce some minor flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Locally heavy downpours are possible again on Sunday which could produce minor flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ012>017-030>032-102-031615- Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck- Bertie-Chowan-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck- 1203 PM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Locally heavy rainfall from thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening may produce some minor flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Locally heavy downpours are possible again on Sunday which could produce minor flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. LKB/MRD
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1235 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
MDZ022-021730-
Wicomico-
1235 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
...A THUNDERSTORM WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL AFFECT CENTRAL WICOMICO
COUNTY...
At 1235 PM EDT, a thunderstorm with heavy rain was located near
Salisbury, moving northwest at 10 mph.
Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Salisbury, Fruitland, Salisbury University, Delmar, Hebron,
Parsonsburg, Pittsville, Catchpenny, Salisbury-Wicomico, Lakewood,
Chesapeake Heights, Shad Point and Eden.
Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of this storm. Be
prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy rain
could cause ponding of water on roads...and possible minor flooding
of ditches and poor drainage areas.
LAT...LON 3845 7550 3840 7541 3829 7545 3828 7562
3828 7563 3829 7563 3829 7565 3830 7566
3830 7567 3833 7575 3846 7565
TIME...MOT...LOC 1635Z 125DEG 7KT 3834 7554
SCALORASpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
227 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
MDZ023-021915-
Somerset-
227 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
...A THUNDERSTORM WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN SOMERSET
COUNTY...
At 226 PM EDT, a thunderstorm with heavy rain was located over
Westover, or near Princess Anne. the storm is nearly stationary.
Rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches are possible with this storm.
This storm will be near...
Princess Anne, University Of Maryland Eastern Shore and West
Pocomoke around 315 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Cokesbury and Manokin.
If you see lightning or hear thunder...you are at risk. Take shelter
indoors immediately. If you cannot find shelter in a building a
vehicle provides safety from lightning.
Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of this storm. Be
prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy rain
could cause ponding of water on roads...and possible minor flooding
of ditches and poor drainage areas.
LAT...LON 3816 7555 3815 7558 3813 7557 3804 7566
3812 7580 3813 7579 3814 7576 3814 7578
3815 7579 3816 7577 3816 7576 3817 7578
3827 7574 3820 7556 3818 7555
TIME...MOT...LOC 1826Z 211DEG 1KT 3815 7569
ALBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
233 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
VAZ065-021930-
Mecklenburg-
233 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
...AN AREA OF THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL AFFECT MECKLENBURG
COUNTY...
At 231 PM EDT, a thunderstorms with heavy rain were clustered
near Chase City, moving southeast at 10 mph.
Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Chase City, Boydton, Spanish Grove, Beechwood, Finchley, John H Kerr
Dam, Finneywood, Skipwith, Fairview, Rogers Corner, Richardson,
Bracey, Keats, Eppes Fork, Baskerville, Wightman, Palmer Springs,
John H Kerr Reservoir and Lake Gaston.
Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of these storms.
Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy
rain could cause ponding of water on roads...and possible minor
flooding of ditches and poor drainage areas.
If you are on or near Kerr Reservoir...get out of the water and move
indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember...lightning can strike more
than 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to a
safe shelter. Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.
LAT...LON 3689 7849 3687 7846 3687 7843 3685 7842
3686 7837 3684 7835 3685 7833 3655 7804
3654 7850 3673 7863
TIME...MOT...LOC 1831Z 320DEG 7KT 3675 7841
BUTNERSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
300 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
VAZ513>516-022000-
Western Chesterfield-Western Henrico (Including the City of
Richmond)-Eastern Henrico-Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col.
Heights)-
300 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
...THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL AFFECT CHESTERFIELD AND
WESTERN HENRICO COUNTIES...THE CITY OF RICHMOND AND THE CITY OF
COLONIAL HEIGHTS...
At 259 PM EDT, thunderstroms with heavy rain were clustered from
near Downtown Richmond to Chester, moving northwest at 10 mph.
Rainfall amounts of up to 1 inch are possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Richmond, Colonial Heights, Downtown Richmond, Bon Air, Virginia
Union University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Tuckahoe,
University Of Richmond, Chester, Mechanicsville, Bensley, Bellwood,
East Highland Park, Glen Allen, Laurel, Lakeside, Chesterfield Court
House, Ettrick, Chesterfield and Richmond Heights.
Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of this storm. Be
prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy rain
could cause ponding of water on roads...and possible minor flooding
of ditches and poor drainage areas.
LAT...LON 3752 7771 3757 7765 3758 7762 3759 7762
3762 7765 3765 7762 3768 7753 3767 7744
3761 7741 3759 7736 3737 7739 3726 7739
3726 7749 3729 7765 3735 7771 3746 7772
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 150DEG 7KT 3751 7752
BUTNERPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
356 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0345 PM FLASH FLOOD PRINCESS ANNE 38.20N 75.69W
06/02/2018 SOMERSET MD EMERGENCY MNGR
STREET FLOODING REPORTED AT ANTIOCH AVE AND
HAMPTON.
0345 PM FLASH FLOOD 1 SSE PRINCESS ANNE 38.20N 75.69W
06/02/2018 SOMERSET MD EMERGENCY MNGR
STREET FLOODING REPORTED AT SOUTH STREET AND
SOMERSET AVE.
&&
EISpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
415 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
VAZ062-069-513-515-022100-
Goochland-Western Chesterfield-Western Henrico (Including the City of
Richmond)-Powhatan-
415 PM EDT SAT JUN 2 2018
...AN AREA OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN
CHESTERFIELD...SOUTHEASTERN GOOCHLAND...NORTHWESTERN HENRICO AND
SOUTHEASTERN POWHATAN COUNTIES...
At 414 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were clustered over Tuckahoe. the
storm is nearly stationary.
Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph are possible with this storm.
Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Richmond, Tuckahoe, Bon Air, Sabot, Manakin, Laurel, Flat Rock,
Johnsons Springs, Midlothian, Short Pump, Subletts, Roslyn Hills and
Holly Hills.
Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of this storm. Be
prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy rain
could cause ponding of water on roads...and possible minor flooding
of ditches and poor drainage areas.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.
Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 3772 7775 3764 7753 3754 7757 3743 7763
3748 7785
TIME...MOT...LOC 2014Z 106DEG 4KT 3759 7764
BUTNERThe Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 88 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:42 UTC.
7 flash flood, 2 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
High water was reported at Pemberton Road and Mayland Drive.
High water was reported on roads, as well as 1.5 inches of rain occurring in the past 25 minutes.
High water was reported near Huguenot Trail and Route 288.
Vehicle was stuck in water on Cox Road in Innsbrook.
Street flooding was reported on Interstate 64 at Exit 220.
Flooding was reported at Pump Road and Ridgefield Parkway.
Rainfall total of 4.11 inches was reported in two hours.
Water was reported running across the roadway.
Rainfall total of 3.07 inches was reported. Rainfall amount of 0.53 inch fell in 5 minutes during the peak of the storm.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, June 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: 762544, 762548, 762553, 762555, 762558, 762562, 762566, 762564, 762573.