A strong cold front pushed across the region Sunday afternoon and evening producing thunderstorm wind damage and large hail. Increased southerly flow and warm air advection helped push temperatures into upper 70s and low 80s with dewpoints in the 60s adding support for scattered shower and storm activity.
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 cold front pushed across the region Sunday afternoon and evening producing thunderstorm wind damage and large hail. Increased southerly flow and warm air advection helped push temperatures into upper 70s and low 80s with dewpoints in the 60s adding support for scattered shower and storm activity. Instabilities, mid -level lapse rates, and deep layer shear values were modest with MLCAPE (Mixed Layer Convective Available Potential Energy) near 1,000 j/kg, mid-level lapse rates of 6-8 degrees C per km, and 0-6 km bulk effect shear values around 40-50 kts.
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 1, 12:34 PM EST, 2 hours 12 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 134 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 .SYNOPSIS... A cold front will move across the region today, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms, with a few severe storms possible in the afternoon and evening. Additional showers and storms are expected Tuesday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 130 PM EDT Sunday... Prefrontal showers entered the mountains this morning and are now moving east of the Blue Ridge this afternoon. We should see an uptick in intensity of storms as southerly flow and warm advection has warmed temperatures into the upper 70s to lower 80s. Instabilities, deep layer shear, and mid-level lapses rates are modest this afternoon, but can not rule out a few storms becoming strong to severe, especially across the foothills and piedmont of south-central Virginia and northern North Carolina. Severe Thunderstorm Watch #176 is now in effect until 900 PM. No widespread hydro issues are expected due to dry antecedent conditions and thirsty vegetation; however, high rainfall rates from stronger storms could lead to localized flooding and ponding on roadways. Showers and thunderstorms will exit the piedmont this evening. Another line of showers, associated with the actual cold front, may move across the area overnight. These storms will be weaker and may not move past the Blue Ridge. Dry high pressure will follow the front for Monday. High temperatures Monday will range from the mid to upper 70s across the mountains and low to mid 80s east of the Blue Ridge. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... As of 100 PM EDT Sunday... ...Showers and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday and Wednesday as a low pressure system passes across the region... Expect generally dry conditions Monday night, perhaps isolated showers toward dawn, as high pressure shifts east across New England. By sunrise Tuesday, another low pressure system will be progressing east up the Ohio River Valley, drawing a warm front northward across the lower Mid-Atlantic, resulting in spotty afternoon and evening showers/thunderstorms. Better instability for strong storms appears to be across the Piedmont, where afternoon high temperatures will reach the low/mid 80s. Elsewhere, look for highs in the mid/upper 70s. Expect only spotty showers across the region Tuesday night as the associated cold front approaches, with shower activity ramping up Wednesday morning as the front passes east across the central Appalachians. Again, will have to keep an eye out for a few strong thunderstorms developing ahead of the front during mainly the afternoon and early evening, with the front then expected to clear to the east by sunset. Perhaps a few lingering showers across the mountains to contend with Wednesday night, but much of the area will then have a brief break in the rain chances through dawn Thursday. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 115 PM EDT Sunday... ...A deep low pressure system will bring the potential for widespread rain toward the end of the week... High pressure will pass quickly across the Great Lakes to New England on Thursday, and will eventually build southward across the Mid-Atlantic Thursday night and settle against the eastern face of the Appalachians, all of this ahead of yet another low pressure system approaching from the Midwest. Weather forecast model consensus is beginning to converge on Friday and Saturday as the better chances for widespread rainfall associated with this system, but it remains difficult at this point to get more specific than that. && .AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 130 PM EDT Sunday... A line of showers and thunderstorms will move across the area today. Showers have already moved across southeastern West Virginia (KLWB/KBLF) this morning, limiting severe potential this afternoon. Stronger storms are possible across the foothills (KROA) and piedmont of south-central Virginia and northern North Carolina (KLYH/KDAN) this afternoon. MVFR to possible IFR visibilities are likely with the stronger storms. Storms this afternoon may also produce gusty winds. A cold front pushes through overnight with westerly winds developing and becoming gusty late in the TAF cycle/towards Monday morning. Extended Aviation Discussion... Monday will be one of the dry days with VFR conditions expected by late in the day. Another front will cross through the area with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and the potential for MVFR conditions on Tuesday, especially in the mountains. The chance of showers and MVFR ceilings will extend into Thursday. Timing and extent of rainfall and sub-VFR conditions is much more questionable on Thursday. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && SYNOPSIS...RCS NEAR TERM...RCS SHORT TERM...NF LONG TERM...NF AVIATION...RCS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 143 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 NCZ003>006-019-020-VAZ032-033-043>047-058-059-021745- Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-Patrick-Franklin-Henry- Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte- 143 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 167 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Reports should be submitted by phone by calling 1-866-215-4324, social media, by email at rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or online at www.weather.gov/rnk. NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015>017-021745- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd- 143 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 167 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Thunderstorms are expected this and evening. Some of these may be strong to severe, producing damaging wind gusts and or large hail. .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. VAZ009-012>014-018-022>024-034-035-021745- Smyth-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Craig-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge- Bedford-Amherst- 143 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Strong thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening capable of producing damaging wind gusts and or hail. .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. VAZ007-010-011-019-020-WVZ042>044-507-508-021745- Tazewell-Bland-Giles-Alleghany VA-Bath-Mercer-Summers-Monroe- Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier- 143 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Thunderstorms may become strong this afternoon. A couple of these storms may be strong, producing damaging wind gusts and or hail. .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. RCS
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
128 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
VAZ016-011815-
Carroll VA-
128 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of central Carroll
County through 215 PM EDT...
At 127 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Hillsville to Pipers Gap. Movement was
southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hillsville...
Fancy Gap...
Cana...
Dugspur...
Laurel Fork...
Lambsburg...
and Gladesboro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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.
These storms 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 3656 8074 3664 8088 3691 8065 3674 8049
3666 8057 3666 8059 3665 8059 3665 8060
3664 8060 3662 8062 3659 8062 3656 8065
TIME...MOT...LOC 1727Z 000DEG 13KT 3679 8071 3664 8083
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RABSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
156 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
VAZ033-011830-
Franklin VA-
156 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of
central Franklin County through 230 PM EDT...
At 155 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Callaway, or near Ferrum, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Rocky Mount...
Ferrum...
Burnt Chimney...
Callaway...
Sontag...
Wirtz...
and Western Smith Mountain Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, and standing water in low lying areas.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
north central North Carolina...and central, south central,
southwestern and west central Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3693 8013 3699 8013 3699 8012 3700 8013
3703 8010 3706 8012 3707 8011 3708 8011
3713 7979 3702 7973 3690 7978
TIME...MOT...LOC 1755Z 263DEG 26KT 3700 8004
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
16Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
215 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
VAZ017-011845-
Floyd VA-
215 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of
central Floyd County through 245 PM EDT...
At 212 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Willis, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Floyd...
Willis...
Indian Valley...
and Alum Ridge.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
north central and northwestern North Carolina...and south central,
southwestern and west central Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3688 8060 3702 8037 3700 8023 3689 8021
3687 8024 3687 8025 3686 8027 3686 8029
3684 8031 3684 8033 3678 8052
TIME...MOT...LOC 1812Z 236DEG 28KT 3686 8051
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
16Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
218 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
NCZ001-018-019-011845-
Ashe NC-Wilkes NC-Watauga NC-
218 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of
west central Wilkes, southeastern Watauga and south central Ashe
Counties through 245 PM EDT...
At 217 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Rutherwood, or near Deep Gap, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Boone...
Blowing Rock...
Deep Gap...
Todd...
Wilbar...
Glendale Springs...
and Blowing Rock In Caldwell County.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northwestern North Carolina.
&&
LAT...LON 3626 8171 3639 8146 3631 8132 3616 8132
3611 8154 3612 8155 3612 8178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1817Z 249DEG 25KT 3621 8159
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
16Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
245 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
NCZ001-018-019-011915-
Ashe NC-Wilkes NC-Watauga NC-
245 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of
west central Wilkes, southeastern Watauga and south central Ashe
Counties through 315 PM EDT...
At 244 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Deep Gap, moving east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Boone...
Blowing Rock...
Wilbar...
Deep Gap...
Blowing Rock In Caldwell County...
Darby...
and Rutherwood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northwestern North Carolina...and southwestern Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3635 8146 3629 8129 3614 8136 3610 8153
3612 8155 3612 8167 3611 8178 3611 8181
3612 8181
TIME...MOT...LOC 1844Z 250DEG 34KT 3618 8152
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
16Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
325 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
NCZ019-012000-
Wilkes NC-
325 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of
Wilkes County through 400 PM EDT...
At 324 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Halls Mills, or near Mc Grady, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
North Wilkesboro...
Wilkesboro...
Ronda...
Traphill...
Boomer...
Mc Grady...
and Wilbar.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northwestern North Carolina.
&&
LAT...LON 3604 8140 3607 8141 3612 8154 3619 8146
3625 8147 3626 8143 3629 8141 3629 8137
3636 8136 3636 8126 3640 8119 3643 8117
3642 8113 3643 8108 3637 8102 3637 8098
3640 8097 3633 8087 3623 8088 3601 8134
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 250DEG 22KT 3627 8120
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
16The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 88 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:45 UTC.
6 thunderstorm wind, 6 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
One tree blown down due to thunderstorm winds.
Report via social media.
One tree down due to thunderstorm winds.
Reported via social media.
One tree blown down due to thunderstorm winds.
A couple of trees were blown down due to thunderstorm winds.
One power line blown down due to thunderstorm winds.
One power line blown down due to thunderstorm winds.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, May 2022
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: 1017531, 1017553, 1017533, 1017579, 1017585, 1017588, 1017587, 1017590, 1017591, 1017603, 1017611, 1017616.