Late afternoon thunderstorms developed along the southwest Virginia Blue Ridge and drifted southward into the foothills and piedmont producing intense rainfall over fairly saturated ground and causing some significant flash flooding and debris flows in parts of Franklin, Floyd and Henry counties. Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts occurred in a few hours, with the heaviest…
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.
Late afternoon thunderstorms developed along the southwest Virginia Blue Ridge and drifted southward into the foothills and piedmont producing intense rainfall over fairly saturated ground and causing some significant flash flooding and debris flows in parts of Franklin, Floyd and Henry counties. Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts occurred in a few hours, with the heaviest over northern Henry County. A state of Emergency was declared in Henry County due to the flooding. Flood damage estimates exceeded $1.1 million with eight homes and one business receiving major damage. The storms also reached severe levels in terms of wind with considerable damage reported, mainly across Henry 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 May 24, 2:01 PM EST, 1 hour 17 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 301 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020 .SYNOPSIS... A weak cold front will extend from Pennsylvania into the Carolinas tonight and Monday. High pressure will cover the region Tuesday and Wednesday with a continued daily chance of thunderstorms, especially in the mountains. Another cold front crosses the area Friday and Saturday with more precipitation. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 250 PM EDT Sunday... Upper ridging over the western Atlantic will lead to rising 500MB heights over the Carolinas and Mid Atlantic states tonight and Monday. Surface winds have turned to the northeast behind a backdoor cold front that had reached the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Bufkit showed a shallow stable layer that stays below 850MB. A the leading edge of a layer of low cloud behind the front had filled in over Buckingham and Appomattox counties and was approaching Lynchburg. These clouds will continue to advance tonight and fill in much of the area east of the Blue Ridge by morning. Surface winds already easterly well out ahead of that stratus. So the localized upslope along the Blue Ridge in combination with that subtle short wave that is sparking the current thunderstorms in West Virgina may lead to isolated thunderstorms, but expect better coverage from BLF to TNB where the back door front is providing more surface convergence and the environment is more unstable. The low clouds in the foothills and piedmont will dissipate during the morning. Expecting enough sun in the afternoon to bring temperatures into the 70s. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon will be confined to west of the wedge, mainly west and south of Bluefield and Boone. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... As of 210 PM EDT Sunday... An upper ridge will sit along the east coast and drive moisture into the area, mostly in the mountains in the western section of the CWA. Daily chances for thunderstorms in this period, with best potential for formation in the mountains of NW NC and SW VA on Tuesday and Wednesday. A small wave will track north from the Gulf along the flow from the ridge, bringing wider chances at showers and storms Thursday for the entire area. It will feel quite springlike this period, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s/60s. It will still feel humid as we still try to dry out from last week's soak. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 200 PM EDT Sunday... The upper level ridge over the eastern part of the country combined with a Bermuda high off the coast will keep a warm and moist flow of air over the Appalachians and central mid Atlantic region through the end of the week. With a good supply of deep moisture will have to watch for the potential of heavy rainfall. Ensemble guidance indicates that the upper ridge will be flattening in time, which will allow a weak front to sag into the area and continue our chances for showers/thunderstorms into the weekend. High pressure will finally start to build down from the upper midwest with the promise of some drier conditions heading into the first part of next week. && .AVIATION /19Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 245 PM EDT Sunday... scattered to numerous thunderstorms will continue in the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia this afternoon and evening. Airports that get impacted by any of these storms will have MVFR ceilings and visibility. For now have left mention of thunderstorms out of KLYH and KDAN since a bulk of the storms are expected to remain to their west. A weak backdoor cold front will push into the central Appalachians tonight. This will allow for the leading edge of a shield of stratus that was just east of KLYH to advance into KROA/KBCB/KLWB and KDAN. Ceilings will lower to LIFR/LIFR overnight with MVFR to IFR fog. Minimal improvement is expected before the 18Z end of the TAF forecast period Monday. Above average confidence in winds, ceilings tonight and timing of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Average confidence on visibility. Extended Aviation Discussion... Upper-level ridging will dominate the Mid-Atlantic region this week. Showers and storms with MVFR conditions are possible mainly in the afternoon/evening. No widespread or long term periods of inclement weather are expected at this time. fog with IFR-LIFR visibilities in the mornings with brief and isolated sub-VFR ceilings/visibilities is expected each overnight. A cold front comes through the area on Friday and Saturday bringing a more widespread chance of precipitation and MVFR or lower flight conditions. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...AMS NEAR TERM...AMS SHORT TERM...VFJ LONG TERM...MBS/VFJ AVIATION...RAB
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 544 AM EDT Sun May 24 2020 NCZ005-006-VAZ033>035-043>047-058-059-251100- Rockingham-Caswell-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania- Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte- 544 AM EDT Sun May 24 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ001>004-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032-WVZ042>044-507-508- 251100- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Watauga-Wilkes-Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth- Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Mercer- Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier- 544 AM EDT Sun May 24 2020 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. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon along a weak backdoor cold front entering the region from the northeast around midday. Soil conditions across the entire region are totally saturated from recent excessive rainfall. Creeks, streams, and rivers are still well above normal levels in many areas. Thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and/or move slowly could quickly result in localized flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed for flooding reports during the afternoon and evening hours. RAB
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
250 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
VAZ019-020-023-024-WVZ507-241930-
Botetourt-Bath-Rockbridge-Alleghany-Eastern Greenbrier-
250 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
ALLEGHANY...NORTHWESTERN ROCKBRIDGE...BATH AND NORTHERN BOTETOURT
COUNTIES IN WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND THE CITY OF COVINGTON...
At 248 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Burnsville to Callaghan. Movement
was east at 25 mph. These storms are producing torrential rainfall.
Localized flooding will be possible.
Winds in excess of 30 mph are possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Covington...
Clifton Forge...
Goshen...
Millboro...
Warm Springs...
Hot Springs...
and Collierstown.
Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Stay inside
until the storms pass.
LAT...LON 3822 7971 3820 7956 3818 7951 3815 7953
3817 7949 3816 7944 3809 7949 3800 7935
3762 7964 3772 8023 3806 8002 3807 7996
3810 7993 3813 7995 3815 7992 3818 7992
3825 7983 3827 7980
TIME...MOT...LOC 1848Z 267DEG 33KT 3826 7969 3780 8005
BMGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
256 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
NCZ019-241930-
Wilkes-
256 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHWESTERN WILKES COUNTY...
At 256 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Elkville, or 10
miles west of Boomer, moving east at 15 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
North Wilkesboro...
Wilkesboro...
Boomer...
Darby...
Wilkesboro Reservoir...
Buck...
and Millers Creek.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3602 8135 3604 8140 3605 8139 3607 8141
3608 8143 3607 8144 3609 8146 3609 8147
3610 8148 3610 8151 3611 8154 3631 8122
3603 8107 3604 8114 3603 8117 3604 8120
3603 8127 3600 8132
TIME...MOT...LOC 1856Z 248DEG 12KT 3605 8144
BMGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
313 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
NCZ001>003-019-VAZ015-016-241945-
Surry-Ashe-Wilkes-Alleghany-Grayson-Carroll-
313 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
ALLEGHANY...SURRY...WILKES AND CENTRAL ASHE COUNTIES IN NORTHWESTERN
NORTH CAROLINA...SOUTH CENTRAL CARROLL AND SOUTHEASTERN GRAYSON
COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA...
At 312 PM EDT, radar indicated several clusters of strong
thunderstorms. These storms were located along a line extending from
Barrett to Baldwin. Movement was southeast at 15 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Mount Airy...
North Wilkesboro...
Elkin...
Wilkesboro...
Flat Rock...
Sparta...
and Jefferson.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3604 8138 3618 8147 3624 8148 3626 8152
3641 8162 3661 8094 3658 8061 3656 8061
3655 8045 3604 8113 3603 8127 3600 8132
TIME...MOT...LOC 1912Z 312DEG 12KT 3654 8096 3633 8154
BMGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
326 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
VAZ014-018-019-022-023-WVZ044-242000-
Botetourt-Montgomery-Craig-Roanoke-Alleghany-Monroe-
326 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
NORTHWESTERN ROANOKE AND CENTRAL ALLEGHANY COUNTIES IN WEST CENTRAL
VIRGINIA...CRAIG COUNTY IN SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHWESTERN
BOTETOURT COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA...NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY
COUNTY IN SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA AND EAST CENTRAL MONROE COUNTIES IN
SOUTHEASTERN WEST VIRGINIA AND THE CITY OF COVINGTON...
At 326 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Jordan Mines to near Simmonsville.
Movement was east at 15 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Covington...
Clifton Forge...
New Castle...
Paint Bank...
Sinking Creek...
Catawba...
and Eagle Rock.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3778 7966 3772 7969 3722 8019 3734 8044
3739 8046 3787 8006
TIME...MOT...LOC 1926Z 282DEG 13KT 3772 8010 3739 8033
BMGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
341 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
NCZ002-003-019-020-242045-
Yadkin-Surry-Wilkes-Alleghany-
341 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
SOUTHEASTERN ALLEGHANY...SURRY...WILKES AND NORTHWESTERN YADKIN
COUNTIES IN NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA...
At 341 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Bottom to near Maple Springs.
Movement was east at 10 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail are possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Mount Airy...
North Wilkesboro...
Elkin...
Wilkesboro...
Fairview...
Flat Rock...
and Jonesville.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3602 8135 3604 8140 3607 8141 3607 8144
3615 8150 3619 8146 3622 8147 3655 8088
3654 8044 3646 8045 3605 8089 3606 8098
3603 8107 3604 8114 3603 8117 3604 8120
3603 8127 3600 8132
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 282DEG 11KT 3644 8082 3615 8136
BMGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
359 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
VAZ018-022>024-034-242030-
Botetourt-Craig-Roanoke-Rockbridge-Bedford-
359 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
NORTHERN ROANOKE...SOUTHEASTERN CRAIG...SOUTHWESTERN ROCKBRIDGE...
BOTETOURT AND NORTHWESTERN BEDFORD COUNTIES...
At 359 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Gala to near Abbott. Movement was
east at 30 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Buchanan...
Glasgow...
Troutville...
New Castle...
Montvale...
Catawba...
and Eagle Rock.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3768 7935 3730 7979 3734 7997 3735 8029
3768 7997 3770 7992 3773 7990
TIME...MOT...LOC 1959Z 284DEG 26KT 3766 7991 3739 8019
BMGThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 54 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:19 UTC.
8 thunderstorm wind, 8 flash flood, 3 debris flow, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A couple large trees were uprooted on a private lot.
Flooding was reported over western Franklin County in the Callaway area, around Daniels Run and the South Fork of the Blackwater River.
Prillaman Switch Road was flooded in the community of Prillaman.
Thunderstorm winds blew down a tree and a power line, blocking passage on Sunnybrook Circle.
A debris flow damaged the power house at Philpott Dam knocking out power to the dam and causing some damage. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which operates Philpott, the timing of the landslide is not exact but the power to the plant tripped at 6:43 PM EDT on May 24, 2020. The slide may have started slowly a little before that time but the mass damaging slide would have been around the time of power failure. The slide occurred in the utility right of way cleared land area that goes up from the powerhouse transformer and switch yard up the hill on the AEP grid system on the Henry County side of the Dam.
A tree and a couple power lines blown down by thunderstorm winds onto Providence Lane.
A tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds across Carver Road.
A few trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds around the City of Martinsville.
Several reports of flash flooding were received including a partial or complete road washouts in the Bassett area of Blackberry Road and Wells Hollow Road. Emergency Management reported several evacuations occurring or being considered. A tire facility in Bassett was badly damaged due to the flooding.
A tree was blown down across Joseph Martin Highway.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds across Lee Ford Camp Road.
A couple trees down were blown down by thunderstorm winds around the Ridgeway area.
A mudslide was reported on Fairystone Park Highway near Trent Hill Drive.
Several more roads were reported to be washed out including Sleeping Hill Farm Road and Machinery Drive. A roadway was flooded at the intersection of West Fayette Street and Appalachian Drive, possibly by flooding from the Smith River and flooding tore down a tree.
Carson Drive in Bassett was blocked by a mudslide.
A water rescue was performed along a portion of Cox Road in the Ridgeway area.
The bridge over Stuart Creek on Meeks Road in southern Henry County was washed out.
Blackberry Creek flooded a home along Blackberry Road near Mary Hunter Drive and Foley Drive.
The Smith River was reported to be completely flooding over River Road in Fieldale near Shadyview Road. The Smith River at Bassett (BASV2) stage was around 12 feet near the time of this report. The river crested at 13.35 feet (14400 cfs) around 822 EST per USGS statistics. No flood stage had been set at this gage mainly due to the flood control exercised by Philpott Dam. But the stage was the 2nd highest since dam began operation in 1952, after the flood in September, 1987 of 15.20 feet. It should be noted that Philpott Dam lost power earlier in the evening due to a mudslide and the dam operators were unable to reduce downstream flows to the normal extent.
The Smith River at Martinsville (SMWV2) gage exceeded its Minor flood stage of 11 feet and crested at 12.87 feet early on the 25th. There were several reports of the Smith River flooding roadways and the river was reported to be overtopping the bridge at Daniels Creek Road. This was the 7th highest stage on record at this gage since the completion of Philpott Dam in 1952 and the highest since January 2010 (15.19 feet). Records date back to 1929 at this site but pre-1952 stages were not affected by the presence of Philpott Dam.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, May 2020
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: 893910, 892383, 892384, 893911, 892387, 893913, 893912, 893915, 892386, 893914, 893916, 893917, 892388, 892389, 892390, 892395, 892392, 892393, 892391, 892396.