Showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching cold front. One of these storms increased in strength enough to generate damaging winds which downed several large trees in Campbell County.
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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.
Showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching cold front. One of these storms increased in strength enough to generate damaging winds which downed several large trees in Campbell 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 26, 1:18 PM EST, 1 hour 58 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 218 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021 .SYNOPSIS... An incoming cold front from the Upper Midwest and Ohio River Valley today will slowly sag south into the region before weakening tonight. Besides the cold front, a mid level shortwave disturbance arriving from the Great Lakes region will keep showers and thunderstorms around through this evening. Better chances for a widespread wetting rain arrive Friday and Saturday as our next front works into the region. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 200 PM EDT Wednesday... Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed in the heat of the day, and so far they have been pulsing on the weak side. A stronger cell develops occasional in pockets of higher instability, but quickly collapses. It has been mostly sunny across the area with most of the cumulus developing over the northern and western sections of the forecast area. Much of the activity will diminish after sunset, but we could see some lingering convection over southeastern WV and the higher terrain of VA. A lead shortwave trough axis to our west is helping to encourage the convection, but there is little to keep the storms going between the weak shear and the lack of a strong boundary in the area. There could be a strong to low-end severe storm or two this evening with small hail and gusty winds to 40 mph or so, but in general severe weather appears much more likely north of our area. Highs today are currently ranging from the upper 70s at the highest peaks to the lower 90s over portions of the VA Piedmont and southside VA. Rainfall amounts will vary widely from nothing to perhaps a quarter inch if a location gets a couple better cores moving over it. Lows will drop into the upper 50s to mid 60s overnight, with patchy fog forming over valleys and locations that receive decent rainfall tonight. Skies will break up overnight as well. An additional shower or storm threat cannot be ruled out overnight as a cold front approaches from the north. The front clears the area heading into Thursday leading to a shift in the winds toward the northwest bringing in drier air to the region. Showers and storms Thursday look to be sparse as a result with the main coverage along mountains west of the Blue Ridge. Not much change in temperatures though with upper 70s and low 80s in the west and highs once again near 90 in the east Thursday afternoon. && .SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/... As of 125 PM EDT Wednesday... A stormy Friday seems likely with lingering showers and cooler conditions by Saturday. A potent upper level trough should approach the Great Lakes on Thursday night. The associated low pressure system will cross over the Ohio River Valley and enter the Appalachian Mountains by Friday. Bulk wind shear in the 0-6 km layer reaches 40 knots, and CAPE approaches 2,000 J/kg in the NAM model soundings. Thus, there is increasing confidence for potentially strong thunderstorms during Friday afternoon into Friday night, but it is worth noting that the best dynamical support stays further to the north. The heaviest rainfall appears to be most likely west of the Blue Ridge with some locations maybe seeing up to an inch. Lower amounts seem more reasonable across the Piedmont. Convection should wane during early Saturday morning due to diminishing instability and considerable cloudiness, but showers could linger throughout the day as the upper level trough draws closer. There may still be a chance of thunderstorms due to the steepening lapse rates aloft as temperatures cool from above, but confidence is considerably lower on any strong storms developing due to being on the cooler side of the low pressure system with the flow turning around to the northeast. Temperatures for Saturday and Saturday night were held toward the cooler side of model guidance based on the aforementioned factors of prevalent cloud cover, lingering shower activity, and the northeast flow. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 125 PM EDT Wednesday... Drier conditions appear more likely for Memorial Day, but showers and thunderstorms could return toward the middle of the week. An upper level trough will cross over the Mid Atlantic on Sunday, which should keep scattered showers lingering through the day. Temperatures were held toward the cooler side of model guidance on Sunday due to the expected cloud cover and showers. Drier air eventually arrives by Sunday night as high pressure builds overhead. Memorial Day appears quiet with temperatures beginning to rebound. Confidence diminishes rapidly on Tuesday as the models diverge significantly. The GFS tries to cut off an upper level low over South Carolina, but the Canadian and the ECMWF keep the flow more progressive. As a result, the Canadian and the ECMWF portray a much drier scenario for the Mid Atlantic aside from a few thunderstorms popping along the southern Blue Ridge. Thus, the forecast was shifted more in favor toward this consensus and away from the GFS solution. By Wednesday, another upper level trough will enter the Plains that may induce a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms along the Blue Ridge as the heat continues to build. && .AVIATION /18Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 215 PM EDT Wednesday... Scattered showers and thunderstorms will bring MVFR conditions at times this afternoon and evening in quick downpours. Storms and showers will weaken and dissipate this evening with the loss of daytime heating. Patchy fog will develop overnight where there was appreciable rainfall this afternoon and evening. A cold front will cross the region Thursday moving from northwest to southeast across the forecast area. This will bring a wind shift to the northwest. There is also expected to be additional shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the front with impacts mainly to the mountains...primarily those TAF sites west of the Blue Ridge. Confidence is low as to whether any of this shower activity can make it across the mountains overnight, but do have at least moderate confidence that it will impact KBLF and KLWB. Extended Aviation Discussion... An organized weather system is expected to arrive Friday. An area of low pressure is forecast to move east across the Ohio Valley and into the northern Mid-Atlantic. This is expected to result in widespread shower and thunderstorm activity over a large geographic region. Scattered rain chances and subsequent sub VFR flight conditions are expected to persist into the weekend before a more prolonged period of better weather conditions are expected at the start of next work week. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...ET/PM NEAR TERM...ET/SH SHORT TERM...PW LONG TERM...PW AVIATION...PM/SH
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 223 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021 NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059- WVZ042>044-507-508-271830- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson- Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge- Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell- Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-Monroe- Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier- 223 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are expected through this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
322 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
VAZ045-059-261945-
Campbell-Charlotte-
322 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN CHARLOTTE AND
SOUTHEASTERN CAMPBELL COUNTIES...
At 322 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Hat Creek, or
near Brookneal, moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Brookneal...
Phenix...
Red House...
Madisonville...
Hat Creek...
Wren...
and Aspen.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
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 3704 7895 3715 7897 3721 7869 3719 7868
3720 7868 3703 7865
TIME...MOT...LOC 1922Z 260DEG 22KT 3710 7890
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
329 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
NCZ018-019-262000-
Wilkes-Watauga-
329 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT WEST CENTRAL WILKES AND
SOUTHEASTERN WATAUGA COUNTIES...
At 329 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Deep Gap,
moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Wilbar...
Deep Gap...
Cascade Falls...
Maple Springs...
Aho...
Summit...
and Rutherwood.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 3612 8158 3616 8164 3624 8159 3626 8152
3624 8148 3626 8146 3626 8143 3629 8141
3628 8137 3630 8137 3631 8132 3617 8127
3612 8154
TIME...MOT...LOC 1929Z 260DEG 22KT 3619 8150
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
343 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
VAZ046-262015-
Appomattox-
343 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN APPOMATTOX
COUNTY...
At 343 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Evergreen, or
near Red House, moving east at 20 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Pamplin City...
and Evergreen.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 3732 7863 3727 7868 3725 7868 3724 7872
3722 7873 3722 7875 3723 7876 3723 7878
3722 7879 3730 7880 3734 7860
TIME...MOT...LOC 1943Z 265DEG 15KT 3726 7877
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
345 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
VAZ045-262015-
Campbell-
345 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL CAMPBELL COUNTY...
At 344 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Altavista,
moving northeast at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Altavista...
Hurt...
Evington...
Rustburg...
Hodges...
and Gladys.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
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 3709 7920 3711 7920 3712 7921 3711 7922
3710 7922 3710 7923 3713 7925 3711 7928
3710 7930 3718 7937 3720 7935 3730 7915
3713 7897
TIME...MOT...LOC 1944Z 246DEG 20KT 3715 7928
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
348 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
VAZ058-059-262015-
Halifax-Charlotte-
348 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN CHARLOTTE AND EAST
CENTRAL HALIFAX COUNTIES...
At 348 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Clover, moving
east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Redoak...
Clover...
Wylliesburg...
and Dryburg.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 3687 7851 3672 7863 3672 7876 3682 7878
3690 7850 3688 7850
TIME...MOT...LOC 1948Z 259DEG 20KT 3679 7872
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
354 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
VAZ059-262015-
Charlotte-
354 PM EDT Wed May 26 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN CHARLOTTE COUNTY...
At 353 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Abilene, or
near Charlotte Court House, moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Abilene...
and Cullen.
LAT...LON 3708 7864 3718 7866 3718 7864 3717 7864
3715 7860 3714 7859 3715 7855 3714 7854
3714 7853 3713 7851 3711 7850 3710 7849
TIME...MOT...LOC 1953Z 259DEG 20KT 3713 7860
DSThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 111 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:14 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds blew down several large trees along Pauls Road. Pea-size hail also accompanied the wind and covered the ground. Damage values are estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, May 2021
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: 960092.