Hail in Virginia, May 1, 2022

Name: Hail in Virginia, May 1, 2022
Start: 2022-05-01T16:05
End: 2022-05-01T19:50
Location: Virginia

May 1, 2022 · NWS RNK · 2 events in 2 counties and zones

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

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 2

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 RNK wrote it up.

A strong cold front pushed across the lower Virginia Piedmont Sunday afternoon and evening producing large hail and thunderstorm wind damage. 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.

What forecasters said that day

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, 3 hours 31 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 1, 12:34 PM EST, 3 hours 31 minutes before

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, May 1, 12:43 PM EST, 3 hours 22 minutes before

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

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 1, 3:21 PM EST, 44 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
421 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

NCZ004-005-012045-
Stokes NC-Rockingham NC-
421 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Stokes
and northwestern Rockingham Counties through 445 PM EDT...

At 420 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Prestonville, or over Sandy Ridge, moving northeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...
Sandy Ridge...
Ayersville...
and Prestonville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

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 3641 8019 3649 8022 3654 8008 3654 7996
      3647 7994
TIME...MOT...LOC 2020Z 245DEG 14KT 3647 8015

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

PW

Local storm report, May 1, 3:24 PM EST, 41 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
424 PM EDT SUN MAY 1 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0411 PM     HAIL             2 ESE STATE ROAD        36.31N 80.84W
05/01/2022  E0.70 INCH       SURRY              NC   PUBLIC

0418 PM     HAIL             2 W BURCH               36.28N 80.80W
05/01/2022  E0.25 INCH       SURRY              NC   PUBLIC

&&

Special weather statement, May 1, 3:36 PM EST, 29 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
436 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

NCZ003-004-020-012100-
Stokes NC-Yadkin NC-Surry NC-
436 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Surry,
western Stokes and northeastern Yadkin Counties through 500 PM EDT...

At 434 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Siloam, or near Fairview, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...
Dobson...
Pilot Mountain...
East Bend...
King...
Nebo...
Level Cross...
and Pinnacle.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
north central and northwestern North Carolina...and south central and
southwestern Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3640 8073 3651 8030 3627 8021 3627 8024
      3626 8028 3626 8045 3624 8045 3623 8044
      3622 8047 3619 8066
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 254DEG 32KT 3630 8061

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

PW

Local storm report, May 1, 3:46 PM EST, 19 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
446 PM EDT SUN MAY 1 2022

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0409 PM     HAIL             2 NNW BENHAM            36.32N 80.93W
05/01/2022  E0.50 INCH       WILKES             NC   TRAINED SPOTTER

            PEA TO HALF INCH HAIL. GUSTY WIND BUT NO
            DAMAGE.

&&

AMS

Special weather statement, May 1, 3:59 PM EST, 6 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
459 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

NCZ005-VAZ043-044-012145-
Rockingham NC-Henry VA-Pittsylvania VA-
459 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern
Rockingham, southwestern Pittsylvania and southeastern Henry
Counties through 545 PM EDT...

At 459 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Price, or over Stoneville, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...
Eden...
Wentworth...
Mayodan...
Stoneville...
Ridgeway...
Oregon Hill...
and Harrisons Crossroads.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
north central North Carolina...and south central, southwestern and
west central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3641 7998 3657 7997 3667 7960 3640 7961
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 260DEG 19KT 3650 7991

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

PW

Special weather statement, May 1, 4:02 PM EST, 3 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
502 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

NCZ006-VAZ044-058-012130-
Caswell NC-Halifax VA-Pittsylvania VA-
502 PM EDT Sun May 1 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern
Caswell, south central Pittsylvania, and southwestern Halifax
Counties through 530 PM EDT...

At 502 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Blanch, or near Providence, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...
Milton...
Blanch...
Hamer...
Semora...
Ringgold...
and Hyco Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
north central North Carolina...and south central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3663 7929 3662 7909 3654 7910 3654 7914
      3644 7914 3644 7937
TIME...MOT...LOC 2102Z 260DEG 19KT 3651 7931

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

PW

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 114 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:03 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Halifax

When: May 1, 4:05 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 3.1 mi W of Mountain Rd
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.750, -79.036

One inch diameter hail reported along High View Road.

Hail, Pittsylvania

When: May 1, 7:50 PM EST
Where: Pittsylvania County, 0.54 mi W of Spring Garden
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.780, -79.310

One inch diameter hail reported via mPing.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in Virginia, May 2022

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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1017625, 1017622.