Tornado and Damaging Winds in Virginia, October 31, 2019

Name: Tornado and Damaging Winds in Virginia, October 31, 2019
Start: 2019-10-31T15:54
End: 2019-10-31T21:56
Location: Virginia

October 31, 2019 · NWS LWX · 37 events in 14 counties and zones

A strong cold front passed through during the evening of the 31st. A southerly flow led to warm and humid conditions ahead of the boundary, which caused an unstable atmosphere.

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

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $30,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 37

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 LWX wrote it up.

A strong cold front passed through during the evening of the 31st. A southerly flow led to warm and humid conditions ahead of the boundary, which caused an unstable atmosphere. The instability along with the cold front caused showers and isolated thunderstorms, some of which were able to mix down strong winds from aloft.

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 167 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:52 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

36 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Highland

When: October 31, 3:54 PM EST
Where: Highland County, 0.75 mi NW of Hightown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.438, -79.639

A tree was reported down in the 12000 block of Mountain Turnpike.

Tornado, Rockingham

When: October 31, 5:04 PM EST to 5:05 PM EST
Where: Rockingham County, 1.44 mi NE of Hupp to 1.89 mi NNE of Hupp
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.54 mi
Path width: 25 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.637, -78.714

The tornado appeared to begin in a corn field on a property on the |southwest side of Henkel Lane, where corn stalks were flattened in a |narrow, meandering path, over an area about 25 yards wide. As this |path meandered northeastward, it crossed a grove of healthy trees, |most of which had substantial numbers of their large top branches |snapped off. It then proceeded across an old barn which was |destroyed. A 2 by 6 piece of lumber from the barn impaled the |windshield of a nearby SUV, whose hood was also peeled back from the |wind.

Damage continued across a corn field on the northeast side of Henkel |Lane. A small shed was destroyed on a property just south of |VA-211 New Market Road. Here a small tree was uprooted, and |several branches were downed across the roadway.

In addition, several large trees were downed along Birdview Lane,|all facing the same direction about a mile and a half to the |southwest of the confirmed tornado path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rappahannock

When: October 31, 5:54 PM EST
Where: Rappahannock County, 0.3 mi NE of Huntly
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.833, -78.116

A tree was down on Zachary Taylor Road at Hume Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Loudoun

When: October 31, 6:06 PM EST
Where: Loudoun County, 0.98 mi SW of Bluemont
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.111, -77.834

Numerous trees were down with roads closed in Bluemont, including near Foggy Bottom Road and Hollow Oak Roads.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 6:21 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 1.98 mi E of White Shop
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.430, -78.034

Trees and wires were down on James Madison Highway near Kettle Club Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 6:23 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 2.53 mi SW of Culpeper
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.455, -78.034

A tree was down on Hoover Road near True Blue Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 6:27 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 1.47 mi NNW of Inlet
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.499, -77.942

Tree down on Inlet Road near Brandy Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nelson

When: October 31, 6:28 PM EST
Where: Nelson County, 2.29 mi S of Avon
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.968, -78.838

Nearly three dozen trees were uprooted on property along Falling Springs Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Loudoun

When: October 31, 6:35 PM EST
Where: Loudoun County, 1.84 mi SSE of Lovettsville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.245, -77.619

A tree was down on Georges Mill Road at Stevens Road. A tree was also down on Orrison Road at Featherbed Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Loudoun

When: October 31, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Loudoun County, 1.37 mi WNW of Purcellville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.154, -77.745

Numerous trees were down and roads were closed in the Round Hill and Purcellville area, including along Ketoctin Church Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Loudoun

When: October 31, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Loudoun County, 2.21 mi ESE of Stumptown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.183, -77.515

A tree was down closing Limestone School Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: October 31, 7:07 PM EST
Where: Greene County, 0.67 mi NNW of Quinque
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.259, -78.404

Trees and wires were down along Stevens Loop at Home Again Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: October 31, 7:31 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 0.15 mi NNW of Orange
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.252, -78.121

A tree was down at Spicers Mill Road and Miller Road. A tree was down in the 14100 block of Old Gordonsville Road. A tree was down at Old Gordonsville Road and Morningside Drive. A tree was down at the intersection of Litchfield Drive and Old Gordonsville Road. A tree was down near the intersection of Mountain Track Road and Old Gordonsville Road. A tree was down on Little Zion Road at Tomahawk Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: October 31, 7:33 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 0.93 mi W of Burr Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.348, -77.887

A tree was down along the 28000 block of Raccoon Ford Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: October 31, 7:39 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 1.26 mi E of Unionville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.268, -77.947

A tree was down on VA-20 Constitution Highway at Ivy Lane. A tree was also down along the 11300 block of US-522 Zachary Taylor Highway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 7:39 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 0.92 mi ENE of Lignum
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.423, -77.813

Multiple trees were down on Eleyes Ford Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: October 31, 7:42 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 5.53 mi N of Everona
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.379, -77.987

Multiple trees were down on US-522 Zachary Taylor Highway. A tree was also down along the 20000 block of Mount Pony Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 7:44 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 2.61 mi W of Raccoon Ford
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.367, -77.978

Multiple trees were reported down on the Algonquin Trail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 7:44 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 1.35 mi NNW of Inlet
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.497, -77.942

Tree reported down in the 15000 block of Inlet Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fauquier

When: October 31, 7:48 PM EST
Where: Fauquier County, 1.65 mi NW of Midland
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.614, -77.744

A tree was down on Messick Road at Germantown Road. A second tree was down in the 5500 block of Germantown Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: October 31, 7:50 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 1.63 mi NW of Stevensburg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.466, -77.902

A tree was down on Stevensburg Road near Greens Corner Road. A tree was also down in the 17000 block of Carrico Mills Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fauquier

When: October 31, 7:50 PM EST
Where: Fauquier County, 0.43 mi WNW of Midland Warrenton Ar
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.583, -77.727

Tree reported down in the 11000 block of Rougues Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fauquier

When: October 31, 8:00 PM EST
Where: Fauquier County, 0.15 mi E of Sowego
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.600, -77.567

Tree reported down in 2700 block of Dumfries Road. Tree reported down in 1400 block of Swoego Road. Tree reported down in the 8100 block of Burwell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: October 31, 8:05 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 1.51 mi ENE of Gainesville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.806, -77.573

Tree down at intersection of Pageland Road and US-29 Lee Highway. Tree down on Waterfall Road at Duck Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: October 31, 8:05 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 0.98 mi ESE of Limstrong
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.715, -77.453

Tree down in the 8400 block of Briarmont Lane. Tree down on Leland Road at Centreville Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fairfax

When: October 31, 8:11 PM EST
Where: Fairfax County, 1.4 mi NNE of Vale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.899, -77.341

Tree down on Rifle Ridge Road. Tree also down on Adel Road at Samaga Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spotsylvania

When: October 31, 8:15 PM EST
Where: Spotsylvania County, Chancellorsville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.300, -77.630

Trees down along VA-3 in Chancellorsville. Tree down along Brock Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fairfax

When: October 31, 8:17 PM EST
Where: Fairfax County, 0.6 mi WNW of Vienna
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.904, -77.280

Tree down on Riviera Drive at Corsica Street. Tree down on Woodrow Street at Stryker Avenue. Tree down on Hill Road at Ivy Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stafford

When: October 31, 8:24 PM EST
Where: Stafford County, 2.48 mi WNW of Stafford
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.433, -77.443

Trees down along Courthouse Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: October 31, 8:33 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 0.84 mi ENE of Triangle
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.553, -77.315

Tree down on Cabin Road at Stonewall Manor Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: October 31, 8:44 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 2.39 mi WSW of Wilderness
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.314, -77.769

Tree down in 34400 block of Constitution Highway. Tree down in 400 block of Westover Parkway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stafford

When: October 31, 9:09 PM EST
Where: Stafford County, 1.09 mi N of Garrisonville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.486, -77.423

Four trees down along Ebenezer Church Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fairfax

When: October 31, 9:13 PM EST
Where: Fairfax County, 0.7 mi E of Lewinsville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.930, -77.187

Tree down on Fern Oak Court at Hornet Lane. Tree down at the intersection of VA-123 Dolley Madison Boulevard and VA-193 Georgetown Pike. Second tree down near the intersection of VA-123 Dolley Madison Boulevard and Potomac School Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spotsylvania

When: October 31, 9:13 PM EST
Where: Spotsylvania County, 0.78 mi NW of Partlow
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.039, -77.639

Several trees down in Partlow.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spotsylvania

When: October 31, 9:15 PM EST
Where: Spotsylvania County, 0.25 mi NNW of Thornburg
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.133, -77.522

Numerous trees down in the Thornburg area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fairfax

When: October 31, 9:17 PM EST
Where: Fairfax County, 0.18 mi SW of Annandale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.828, -77.182

Tree down on VA-236 at High Place and Lafayette Park Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, King George

When: October 31, 9:56 PM EST
Where: King George County, Dahlgren
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.330, -77.050

Downed tree near Ridge Road and Lakeview Drive. Downed tree near Owens Drive and Gambo Creek Road. Around a dozen trees down in the Dahlgren area.

What these are

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.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Virginia, 2019 Warnings in Virginia, October 2019

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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 860855, 862733, 860858, 860862, 860860, 860861, 861097, 860867, 860864, 860865, 860866, 860868, 860870, 860873, 860872, 860888, 860874, 860871, 861055, 860876, 860878, 861053, 861056, 861057, 861058, 861059, 861061, 861060, 861063, 861067, 861068, 861074, 861070, 861076, 861079, 861072, 861080.