Hail in Virginia, April 7, 2020

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
743 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
A nearly stationary boundary was located from Western
Pennsylvania to Eastern Virginia, while a cold front was noted
across the northern Missouri Valley. This cold front will move
into our region Wednesday ahead of a stronger cold front that
will quickly push through our area Thursday. Showers and
thunderstorms, some with locally gusty winds and hail will be
possible Wednesday and Thursday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 245 PM EDT Tuesday...

Showers and thunderstorms continue to develop along the northern
edge of of an instability axis in a zone of warm air advection.
Many of the short range and high-res models have performed very
poorly, with the 16Z HRRR and 12Z NAMNest showing no precip in
our area at 18Z. Considering CAPES are 500-1000 J/KG and
effective bulk shear values are over 35-40 knots, expect
additional thunderstorms to develop during the daytime hours
with the potential for hail and locally damaging winds.

This activity should diminish with loss of heating, but then our
attention turns to an approaching cold front from the north with
will generate a line (or MCS) of showers and storms that many
of the high res models agree push into our forecast area before
or around dawn Wednesday. Increased winds overnight, especially
in the higher elevations as a low level jet strengthens. This
also will keep temps on the warm side of guidance values,
especially at BLF.

On Wednesday, this boundary pushes south into our forecast area,
and while there is uncertainty about the amount of clearing
after morning showers/storms, we expect enough heating to again
generate scattered showers and storms. HREF output showing CAPES
in excess of 1000 J/KG where moisture (which is expected to be
deeper compared to today) will be pooling, primarily south of
Highway 460. Threat for large hail and damaging winds is
possible, and may be higher than today. Stayed close to the
previous forecast for highs on Wednesday, but confidence lower
behind the boundary in BLF/LWB where spread in the guidance is
large.

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
As of 210 PM EDT Tuesday...

After the afternoon convection from Wednesday dies off and moves to
our east, focus turns to a cold front that will arrive early
Thursday morning. Confidence is high now that there will be some
embedded convection with this line when it arrives thanks to CAPE
values up to 500j/kg. Likewise, shear/helicity will increase ahead
of the line, but guidance keeps a bulk of the greatest amounts to
out north. It'll be worth keeping an eye on in case anything isolated
severe occurs.

After the fronts passage Thursday, our warmer weather takes leave
and allows cooler weather to return. Along with the cold air return,
gusty NW flow sets in. The western half of the CWA is highlighted by
40-50kt 850 winds aloft that could very likely mix down Thursday
night into Friday. Still not confident if we will need a headline
out for the wind or not, but certainly watching to see if something
will be needed. Obviously with stout NW flow, upslope should be
expect. Confidence is increasing in some light snow showers
overnight into Friday. Don't get excited though. Most snow that
falls will melt on contact with the round with such warm ground
temps. Right now, only western Greenbrier should expect any
accumulating snowfall (less than .5").

Upslope tappers off midday Friday as NW wind gradually diminishes.
After that, we prep for a dry Friday night which should bring a big
shock temperature wise given the recent warm weather. Waking up
Saturday, much of the west will be waking up to below freezing
temps, with parts of the east not far from it. That said, with the
growing season started for the east, frost will be of concern.

After the cold start Saturday, the remainder of the day looks high
and dry with lots of sunshine to try and warm things up in the
afternoon.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 200 PM EDT Tuesday...

Guidance continues to get a better handle on the pressure system
that is currently sitting off the California coast. Late in the
week, this low gets kicked onshore and crosses across the southern
U.S., eventually shifting northward to the Mid-Atlantic. Timing has
come into much better agreement, with first a warm front lifting
northward across the area early to mid day Sunday. With the warm
front comes a return of warmer weather. By Sunday night, the cold
front associated with this low will then cross the region. Total
rainfall with this system looks pretty beefy compared to some of the
rain events we've had recently. Right now, rain amounts could range
between 1-2".

After Sunday's system exits, we cool off again for Monday, though
not like what happens this Thursday/Friday. Guidance hints that NW
flow will establish some upslope showers Monday into Tuesday. Precip
type at the moment remains rain, but temperature profiles will need
to be watched over the coming days as new guidance arrives. Any area
that would have the potential for snowfall would again be most
likely western Greenbrier, similar to this coming Friday AM.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 735 PM EDT Tuesday...

Wind will stay mixed overnight and higher elevations may have
gusts up to 30 knots as a low level jet strengthens.

An approaching cold front from the north will bring showers and
isolated thunderstorms to southern West Virginia and northern
and central Virginia by early morning first impacting KLWB and
KBLF before moving south.

MVFR cigs will develop due to westerly upslope winds over the
mountains at KLWB, KBLF and KBCB overnight, with the potential
for IFR cigs. These MVFR cigs will continue through much of the
morning on Wednesday. Occasional showers and isolated storms
will also impact KBCB, KROA and KLYH on Wednesday, periodically
reducing cigs and vsbys to MVFR levels. Models had showers and
thunderstorms redeveloping along the front after 15Z/11AM. Any
storms will reach KDAN later in the day.

Above average confidence for the coverage and timing of showers
and thunderstorms tonight and Wednesday.
Average confidence for wind, ceilings, and visibility.

Extended Aviation Discussion...

A strong cold front crosses the area Thursday morning with
widespread MVFR conditions due to clouds and precipitation.
Winds will be strong and gusty behind the front Thursday night.

Colder high pressure builds into the area on Friday. In general
winds will be diminishing and ceilings will improve to VFR
except some lingering MVFR in the mountains.

Another system may bring rain our way later Saturday with sub-
VFR ceilings, though at the moment confidence is low.

&&

.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...None.
NC...None.
WV...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...PH
NEAR TERM...AMS/PH
SHORT TERM...RR
LONG TERM...RR
AVIATION...AMS/PH

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
420 AM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>018-022-032-033-043-044-058-059-
WVZ042>044-081100-
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Roanoke-Patrick-Franklin-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
420 AM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, south central Virginia, southwest
Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and
tonight. A few of these thunderstorms could become severe producing
quarter-sized and possibly larger hail as well as damaging wind
gusts.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Wednesday and Thursday in
advance of a cold front which is expected to move through the region
Thursday. There is a marginal threat of severe thunderstorms both
days, mainly during the afternoon and evening. The main threat from
any strong to severe thunderstorms will be quarter-sized or larger
hail and damaging wind gusts.

In addition, strong gusty northwest winds are expected Thursday
afternoon into Friday behind the strong cold front. Winds may be
strong enough in some areas, especially along and west of the Blue
Ridge to require a Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Limited spotter activation is possible this afternoon and evening
with a greater likelihood of spotter activation Wednesday afternoon
and evening.

VAZ019-020-023-024-034-035-045>047-WVZ507-508-081100-
Alleghany VA-Bath-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
420 AM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, south
central Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, especially in
the vicinity of the I-64 corridor and northward, with isolated to
scattered thunderstorms further south of this region. Quarter-sized
or larger hail and damaging thunderstorm wind gusts are the main
threats with any severe thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Wednesday and Thursday in
advance of a cold front which is expected to move through the region
Thursday. There is a marginal threat of severe thunderstorms both
days, mainly during the afternoon and evening each day. The main
threat from any strong to severe thunderstorms will be quarter-sized
or larger hail and damaging wind gusts.

In addition, strong gusty northwest winds are expected Thursday
afternoon into Friday behind the strong cold front. Winds may be
strong enough in some areas, especially along and west of the Blue
Ridge to require a Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed, especially near the I-64 corridor
and northward this afternoon and evening, with spotter activation
also possible again Wednesday afternoon and evening.

RAB

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
418 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

VAZ023-024-034-035-045-072045-
Botetourt-Amherst-Campbell-Rockbridge-Bedford-
418 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTH CENTRAL
ROCKBRIDGE...CENTRAL CAMPBELL...EAST CENTRAL BOTETOURT...SOUTHERN
AMHERST...AND NORTHEASTERN BEDFORD COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF
LYNCHBURG...

At 417 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Snowden, or
near Glasgow, moving southeast at 35 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Lynchburg...
Glasgow...
Big Island...
Forest...
Evington...
Coleman Falls...
and Madison Heights.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 3750 7896 3716 7925 3752 7963 3771 7945
TIME...MOT...LOC 2017Z 302DEG 31KT 3758 7943

KK

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
442 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

VAZ034-035-045-046-072115-
Amherst-Campbell-Bedford-Appomattox-
442 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT WESTERN
APPOMATTOX...NORTHEASTERN CAMPBELL...AMHERST...AND NORTHEASTERN
BEDFORD COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF LYNCHBURG...

At 440 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Falconerville,
or 8 miles southwest of Amherst, moving east at 25 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Lynchburg...
Amherst...
Concord...
Clifford...
Big Island...
Forest...
and Rustburg.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 3725 7892 3742 7945 3762 7941 3769 7899
      3755 7890
TIME...MOT...LOC 2040Z 277DEG 23KT 3753 7919

KK

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
513 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

VAZ046-047-072215-
Buckingham-Appomattox-
513 PM EDT Tue Apr 7 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHERN APPOMATTOX AND
BUCKINGHAM COUNTIES...

At 512 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Bent Creek,
moving east at 25 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Buckingham...
Dillwyn...
Bent Creek...
Toga...
Sheppards...
Andersonville...
and Gold Hill.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 3757 7830 3733 7848 3733 7852 3735 7853
      3735 7855 3737 7858 3740 7859 3734 7860
      3744 7893 3750 7892 3752 7889 3753 7890
      3754 7886 3754 7882 3757 7881 3759 7883
      3760 7881 3762 7882 3769 7825
TIME...MOT...LOC 2112Z 277DEG 22KT 3752 7882

KK