A strong area of low pressure moved from the Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee Valley. The atmosphere in advance of this system was ripe for the development of rotating thunderstorms.
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 area of low pressure moved from the Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee Valley. The atmosphere in advance of this system was ripe for the development of rotating thunderstorms. Some of these storms produced damaging winds. However, two thunderstorms increased in enough rotational intensity to generate tornadoes. An EF3 Tornado occurred in Franklin County and an EF1 tornado occurred in Bedford County.
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 Apr 19, 6:35 AM EST, 2 hours 21 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 735 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 .SYNOPSIS... A strong cold front will approach from the west this morning and will move across the region today producing heavy rain and strong to severe storms. An area of upper level low pressure lingers into Saturday resulting in unsettled weather before high pressure builds back in late in the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 730 AM EDT Friday... No significant changes in the grids except to adjust the timing of precipitation arrival slightly, which is basically about now entering the far western CWA. The leading edge does not contain any lightning but a cluster of stronger storms and convection is moving northeast at 45 mph and will be reaching southwest CWA (Watauga County) in the next 1 to 1.5 hours. Main severe weather prospects still focused on later this afternoon in the eastern half to third of the CWA along with pockets of heavy rainfall across the entire forecast area. Previous Valid Discussion... As of 315 AM EDT Friday... Precipitation associated with the well-advertised incoming event already developed along the Blue Ridge over the past several hours in the strong southerly flow regime. Several bands of convection slowly approaching from the west will be reaching western CWA over the next few hours. Storms are not severe at this time and do not expect they will be strengthening in the early morning but showers and a few thunderstorms are possible. Main show occurs late today per SPC Day 1 outlook showing a threat for significant severe weather as deepening low pressure over the TN Valley moves northeast and impressive wind field develops, 50 to 70+ knot per SPC discussion. In addition, deep moisture plume along and ahead of the front will help destabilize the atmosphere. The Day 1 severe risk is now Moderate across about the the southeast 1/3 of the CWA, including Danville and Lynchburg, with decreasing chances for severe back to the west, to Slight over the Roanoke Valley and Marginal or just general thunder in parts of the TN valley counties. Moderate risk severe outlooks are comparatively rare for our CWA, possibly 2 or 3 times a year per SPC climatology, with the most likely area to occur in the eastern CWA, as is the case today. The primary threat will be wind with lesser chances for tornados and large hail and mainly during the mid to late afternoon with peak heating. Heavy rainfall is also on the table and flash flood watch was considered. WPC will hold a Slight Risk for flash flooding which seems appropriate as the signal for heavy rain sufficient for flash flooding still looks less than convincing for a watch. While the upslope rainfall along the Blue Ridge may produce some moderate to heavy amounts (could see some isolated 3 inch amounts occurring) there is not usually flash flooding in those areas in our CWA (except for Watauga County, NC). The convection itself is obviously of concern but these storms should be rapid movers, with 1-2 inch amounts similar to the April 14-15 event where we issued a decent number of flood advisories but no flash flood warnings. Possibly the most vulnerable area is across parts of the James River valley where flash flood guidance is lowest, less than 1 inch in 1 hour. A short- fused Flash Flood Watch not out of the question as things develop today. Convection will diminish this evening even across the east but chances for rainfall persist in the overnight but mainly stratiform. Temps back off into the 40s by morning. && .SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/... As of 315 AM EDT Friday... A slow moving barotropic, vertically stacked upper low will drift from the central Appalachians, basically right over KBCB, toward the Mid-Atlantic region through the period and will be the primary synoptic feature supporting the sensible weather. While there may be a brief break in the precipitation early Saturday as the main focused line of PVA/dynamics/instability shifts east off the coast, a deformation zone/baroclinic leaf will sag southeastward from Kentucky into far southwest VA/southern WV during the day Saturday, west central VA Sunday, and then toward the Mid-Atlantic by Monday. This pattern will keep clouds and a chance of showers, especially west of the Blue Ridge, Saturday into early Sunday. Clouds could well linger into Sunday, especially west of the Blue Ridge. Monday should finally start to bring more sun. Lapse rates will be rather steep Saturday with a cold pocket of <0C air moving over the region at 850mb. If enough insolation can be realized, some small hail could be possible with the taller/deeper showers and an isolated lightning strike would not be out of the question either. However, given all of our neighbors have currently left thunder out, chose to do the same here, but the threat of both is not zero at this point. It is also interesting to note that some snow may fall at the highest elevations (e.g., Mt. Rogers, Mt. Lake, etc.) with 850mb temperatures below 0C much of Saturday. Rainfall amounts should not be a concern given the lack of deep moisture, with most areas west of the Blue Ridge seeing QPF in the neighborhood of 1/4 to 1/2 inch over the two day period, and areas east of the Blue Ridge seeing even less. The cold air aloft, rain cooled air, and persistent cloud cover will result in much colder, well below normal temperatures Saturday with highs in the 40s west and 50s east, perhaps even only 30s at the highest elevations. Temperatures will begin to moderate a bit Sunday and even more so Monday as the cold pocket aloft moves away from the area and cloud cover begins to diminish, especially across the Piedmont. While a freeze is not expected at this point, may have to watch for possible frost Monday morning. Finally, it will be a bit breezy as the upper low pulls away from the area, but current guidance and the barotropically oriented system suggest that speeds will fall well short of wind advisory criteria. /Confidence in Forecast Parameters/ Temperatures - Moderate to High, Precipitation Probabilities - Moderate, Winds - Moderate, Thunderstorm Threat - Low. && .LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 430 AM EDT Thursday... Once upper low exits the northeast United States pattern returns to broad southwest flow and weak 500MB ridging over the east through Thursday. Consensus is fair in the long range guidance with no significant synoptic features impacting the Mid Atlantic region this time frame. High pressure following the deep surface low fills in from the southwest with the high over centered over the Carolinas by Monday night. 850 temperatures warm back into the +10 to +14 range on Monday and remain similar through Thursday. Temperatures will be above normal through the period. Low level moisture trapped under the upper low will just be exiting southwest Virginia Monday morning. Baroclinic zone from the northeast United States across the Ohio Valley may get close enough by Wednesday morning to increase cloud cover north of I-64. Cold front may drop into northern Virginia Thursday with more clouds and a chance of precipitation but confidence is low at this time. && .AVIATION /11Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... As of 730 AM EDT Friday... Precipitation approaching western CWA over the next few hours with deteriorating flight conditions at all TAF sites from west to east. Locally heavy rain today and the potential for thunderstorms, some possibly severe, mainly east-southeast of the Blue Ridge, but have included thunder at all TAF sites during the afternoon. Ceilings and visibilities during the day, and especially in rain showers and thunderstorms, will average mostly MVFR with brief periods of IFR in heavier rain and associated fog. Winds will remain SSE- SSW until late in the day at speeds of 8-12kts with gusts 20-25kts. EXTENDED AVIATION DISCUSSION... The upper low will slowly circulate and drift northeast of the area Saturday. This will bring a deformation zone over the area leaving Saturday with scattered to numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms with periods of MVFR ceilings and visibilities for the most part, especially west of the Blue Ridge. Winds will be gusty from the west and northwest behind this front on Saturday and Saturday night. VFR conditions will return Sunday into Tuesday under weak high pressure and a relatively flat flow aloft. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...PC NEAR TERM...PC SHORT TERM...RAB LONG TERM...AMS/RAB AVIATION...PC/RAB
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 428 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 NCZ003>006-020-VAZ032>035-043>047-058-059-200830- Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Yadkin-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford- Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax- Charlotte- 428 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is a Moderate Risk of severe thunderstorms today, primarily this afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat. However, large hail and a few tornadoes will also be possible. The stronger thunderstorms will also produce very heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed this afternoon and tonight. Spotters and CoCoRAHs observers are encouraged to send in reports of severe weather, flooding, and rainfall reports. NCZ002-019-VAZ014-016-017-022>024-200830- Alleghany NC-Wilkes-Montgomery-Carroll-Floyd-Roanoke-Botetourt- Rockbridge- 428 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms today, primarily this afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat. Quarter-sized hail will also be possible and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. The stronger thunderstorms will also produce very heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed. Spotters and CoCoRAHs observers are encouraged to send in reports of severe weather, flooding, and rainfall reports. NCZ001-018-VAZ007-009>013-015-018>020-WVZ042>044-507-508-200830- Ashe-Watauga-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Grayson-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- Western Greenbrier- 428 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms today, primarily this afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat. Quarter-sized hail will also be possible. The stronger thunderstorms will also produce very heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening. Spotters and CoCoRAHs observers are encouraged to send in reports of severe weather, flooding, and rainfall reports. RAB
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
846 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
NCZ003-004-020-191345-
Stokes-Yadkin-Surry-
846 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT STOKES, YADKIN, AND
SURRY COUNTIES
Until 945 AM EDT.
At 843 AM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Harmony to near Shacktown. Movement
was north at 35 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Mount Airy...
Elkin...
Fairview...
Flat Rock...
and Yadkinville.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3606 8088 3654 8078 3654 8024 3626 8029
3626 8045 3624 8045 3622 8043 3621 8045
3614 8044 3612 8046 3611 8051 3608 8051
3605 8050
TIME...MOT...LOC 1243Z 199DEG 32KT 3593 8082 3618 8059
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
925 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
NCZ004-VAZ032-191400-
Stokes-Patrick-
925 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT STOKES AND PATRICK...
Until 1000 AM EDT.
At 924 AM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Woodville,
moving north at 50 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Stuart...
Woolwine...
Ararat...
Fairy Stone State Park...
and Buffalo Ridge.
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 3654 8044 3655 8049 3657 8055 3674 8041
3675 8040 3676 8040 3683 8033 3684 8030
3686 8029 3687 8024 3684 8007 3683 8008
3681 8006 3650 8033
TIME...MOT...LOC 1324Z 201DEG 42KT 3652 8044
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
937 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
NCZ004-VAZ032-043-191400-
Stokes-Henry-Patrick-
937 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT STOKES, HENRY, PATRICK...
Until 1000 AM EDT.
At 936 AM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Danbury, moving
north at 45 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Danbury...
Spencer...
Bassett...
Sandy Ridge...
and Critz.
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 3635 8034 3650 8033 3681 8006 3680 8004
3678 8003 3678 8001 3679 8003 3679 8001
3680 8001 3677 7991 3632 8019
TIME...MOT...LOC 1336Z 201DEG 41KT 3644 8025
RSThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 42 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:55 UTC.
9 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado, 1 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds blew numerous large tree limbs down at, and in the vicinity of, Trent Farm Airstrip on Abram Penn Highway. Damage values are estimated.
A tornado touched down just to the north of Oak Level. It then moved northeastward, significantly damaging three structures while heavily damaging or destroying ten outbuildings. The tornado reached a peak intensity of EF-3 near Windy Ridge Road and again near Sealtest Lane. The tornado eventually dissipated to the east of Henry Fork, four miles southeast of Rocky Mount, just short of Doe Run Road. Two individuals received minor injuries due to the tornado. One of the fallen trees landed on a house and a car. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds blew multiple trees down, and a carport was destroyed near the intersection of Routes 460 and 831. Damage values are estimated.
The tornado touched near Patterson Mill Road, about 2.5 miles north of Thaxton, VA. The tornado stayed on the ground for three minutes, heading nearly due north, uprooting or snapping trees in its path, one of which crushed a storage shed. The tornado destroyed one outbuilding off Centennial Road before dissipating. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on Ripsin Road and one on Lost Lake Road. Damage values are estimated.
A swath of numerous uprooted and snapped trees between Mt. Laural Road and Blounts Crossing Trail occurred as a result of straight-line thunderstorm winds and had an estimated speed of 90 to 100 mph. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds blew numerous large tree limbs down at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Damage values are estimated.
The funnel cloud was observed by looking north along U.S. 29 near Chatham.
Thunderstorm winds blew two trees and numerous large tree limbs down. Most of the damage occurred in the 3000 block of Grubby Road with one tree downed on Old Grubby Road, just west of Woodland Park. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds brought down power lines on Coles Ferry Road. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds blew one tree down on Hylton Road. Damage values are estimated.
Thunderstorm winds snapped multiple trees along Sutherland Road. Damage values are estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Virginia, 2019Warnings in Virginia, April 2019
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: 820515, 820690, 821328, 821313, 821316, 821334, 821317, 821337, 821323, 821325, 821326, 821336.