Scattered severe thunderstorms associated with low pressure and a surface trough produced damaging winds across portions of central Virginia.
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 AKQ wrote it up.
Scattered severe thunderstorms associated with low pressure and a surface trough produced damaging winds across portions of central Virginia.
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 Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 7, 1:52 PM EST, 2 hours 58 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Wakefield VA 252 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023 .SYNOPSIS... An upper trough will linger over the Mid-Atlantic through Monday bringing daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours. Drier weather will return on Tuesday and Wednesday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 250 PM EDT Friday... Afternoon wx analysis shows a weak sfc trough stretching from the NE CONUS to near the I-95 Corridor. A weak shortwave is approaching the area from the west (and the flow aloft remains light). A deeper upper trough/stronger shortwave is over the Midwest/wrn Great Lakes. Showers/tstms have developed along that sfc trough. Expect scattered convection to persist (highest coverage will be inland) through early evening before gradual weakening occurs with the loss of daytime heating. Severe wx is not expected as the environment is characterized by modest lapse rates and very weak shear. However, isolated gusts to 45-50 mph cannot be ruled out in the strongest storms. Will again be watching the potential for patchy fog late tonight, especially for locations that receive rainfall today (and on the ern shore). Low temperatures tonight fall into the upper 60s to lower 70s. && .SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 250 PM EDT Friday... While the above mentioned deeper trough will dive toward the Great Lakes, it will remain far enough NW of the area for the flow aloft to remain weak on Saturday. Therefore, expect similar conditions with another chance for scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall/localized flooding will again be the main threat due to weak shear/slow moving storms. A touch cooler on Saturday due to a bit more in the way of cloud cover and a SE wind. Highs will generally be in the upper 80s. Remaining humid with dewpoints in the 70s. Temperatures Saturday night drop back into the upper 60s to lower 70s. Things get slightly more interesting on Sunday as the broader trough to the W continues to dig ESE. This will allow the 500 mb flow to increase to 30-40 knots by Sun aftn. At the same time, the potent shortwave currently over the Midwest is progged to track eastward over the nrn Mid-Atlantic. The above factors (combined with continued very warm/humid wx) will result in faster moving storms with an increased severe wx threat. The models still show MLCAPE values of 2000-2500 J/kg Sunday afternoon/evening. Expect scattered-numerous tstms to develop in the Piedmont by 1-2 PM before tracking across the area during the remainder of the aftn/evening. The stronger deep-layer flow/effective shear should allow for more organized convection. There is the potential that the storms evolve into a broken line as they cross the FA. With the linear storm mode, the main threat appears to be damaging wind gusts. SPC has maintained the SLGT Risk for severe wx across the entire area. In addition, the heavy rain/flooding threat persists with WPC highlighting most of the area in a Marginal ERO (with a Slight ERO in our coastal zones...including Hampton Roads). High temperatures will range from the mid to upper 80s north and upper 80s to lower 90s south on Sunday. A cold front swings across the region Sunday night/early Monday morning briefly putting an end to the rain chances. Starting out drier on Monday in the wake of the front. Isolated to widely scattered showers/tstms are possible Mon aftn/evening (especially south) as another shortwave trough swings through the area. Not as much shower or storm coverage compared to the weekend as instability will be limited. Slightly cooler and less humid on Monday with high temperatures generally in the mid 80s. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 250 PM EDT Friday... Drier wx prevails on Tuesday and Wednesday as high pressure briefly builds across the region. Highs on Tuesday will be in the upper 80s in most areas and highs on Wednesday warm into the lower 90s. Rain chances increase later in the week as another front begins to approach from the west. Have slight chc-chc PoPs on Thu/Fri for now. Forecast highs are in the lower 90s in most areas on both days. && .AVIATION /18Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 125 PM EDT Friday... Prevailing VFR conditions are expected at most of the terminals through the 18z/07 TAF period. Scattered showers/tstms will increase in coverage during the next couple of hours and continue through early evening before gradually waning with the loss of daytime heating. Brief IFR to LIFR VSBYs (and gusty winds to ~30kt) are likely in the heavier showers/tstms. Have VCSH/VCTS through 00-03z in the TAFs to account for this. VFR through tonight/Sat AM outside of patchy fog at SBY between 08-12z. Winds remain light through the period. Outlook: The current pattern favors continued daily aftn/evening isolated to sctd showers/storms each day through Mon, along with the potential for areas of early morning low stratus and patchy fog (esply for areas that receive rain). There is a better chance for strong to perhaps severe tstms Sun aftn/evening. && .MARINE... As of 250 PM EDT Friday... Sub-advisory/benign marine conditions expected through the weekend and into early next week. Sea breezes are expected to develop each afternoon this weekend, with wind speeds less than 10 kt. Winds turn S at 10-15 kt (5-10 kt for bay and rivers) late on Sunday as a weak cold front approaches from the W. Winds may have more of a northwesterly component on Monday as the weak cold front, and a developing low pressure system, moves farther offshore. However, light sea breezes may develop again late Monday afternoon, and again on Tuesday. Southwesterly winds may increase more for the middle of the week as an area of high pressure builds off the Southeast U.S. and southern Mid-Atlantic coasts. Seas are generally around 2 ft, with waves in the Bay around 1 ft. These conditions should continue through Saturday. Seas increase to around 3 ft on Sunday with the increasing S winds. Afternoon showers and tstms are also possible each afternoon and evening through at least Sunday, which could bring brief higher wind and waves. && .AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MD...None. NC...None. VA...None. MARINE...None. && SYNOPSIS...AJB/ERI NEAR TERM...ERI SHORT TERM...AJB/ERI LONG TERM...AJB/ERI AVIATION...ERI MARINE...CP/SW
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 459 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023 MDZ021>025-NCZ012>017-030>032-102-VAZ048-060>062-064>069-075>090-092- 093-095>100-509>525-082100- Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches- Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck- Bertie-Chowan-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-Fluvanna-Prince Edward- Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia- Powhatan-Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland-Lancaster-Brunswick- Dinwiddie-Prince George-Charles City-New Kent-Gloucester-Middlesex- Mathews-Greensville-Sussex-Surry-James City-Southampton- Isle of Wight-Norfolk/Portsmouth-Suffolk-Chesapeake-Virginia Beach- Accomack-Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover- Eastern Hanover-Western Chesterfield- Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)- Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico- Western King William-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen- Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-York-Newport News- Hampton/Poquoson- 459 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, northeast North Carolina, central Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north central Virginia, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Scattered showers and storms this evening may produce locally heavy rainfall, which may lead to instances of ponding of water on roadways and isolated instances of flooding of urban or poor drainage areas. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on Saturday as well with localized flooding being the main threat. In addition, there is a slight risk for severe weather on Sunday. Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind gusts being the main threat. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
428 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
VAZ075-076-521-522-072115-
Richmond VA-Westmoreland VA-Western Essex VA-Eastern Essex VA-
428 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Richmond, southwestern Westmoreland and central Essex Counties
through 515 PM EDT...
At 427 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Champlain, moving southeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, heavy rain, and frequent
lightning. In addition, Doppler radar has indicated weak
rotation with this storm. While a tornado is not
immediately likely, remain alert for any warnings.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small trees and blow around
unsecured objects. Wind impacting handling of high profile
vehicles. Reduced visibility and minor flooding possible.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Montross and Newland around 450 PM EDT.
Tappahannock and Warsaw around 515 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Ethel, Hustle, Elevon,
Singerly, Peeds, Rexburg, Foneswood, Chance, Naylors Beach and Mount
Landing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Do not
drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
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 3806 7668 3785 7685 3799 7708 3801 7709
3801 7710 3802 7712 3816 7705
TIME...MOT...LOC 2027Z 303DEG 9KT 3805 7697
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
EISpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
428 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
NCZ013>016-030>032-072115-
Pasquotank NC-Hertford NC-Bertie NC-Camden NC-Gates NC-Perquimans NC-
Chowan NC-
428 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Camden,
northwestern Pasquotank, western Perquimans, Bertie, southeastern
Hertford, Gates and Chowan Counties through 515 PM EDT...
At 428 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Whaleyville to near Harrellsville to near
Williamston. Movement was southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Heavy rain and frequent lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Reduced visibility and minor flooding possible. Frequent
cloud to ground lightning strikes.
Locations impacted include...
Ahoskie, Windsor, Hertford, Winfall, Gatesville, Sunbury, Ryland,
Gates, Cofield, Powellsville, Colerain, Harrellsville, Cape Colony,
Tyner, Roduco, Hobbsville, Belvidere, Rockyhock, Valhalla and
Corapeake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Do not
drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3590 7692 3586 7704 3594 7704 3594 7720
3599 7720 3634 7694 3655 7686 3654 7630
3601 7658 3606 7661 3606 7662 3601 7669
3593 7674 3593 7673 3594 7669 3593 7669
3587 7675 3589 7683 3585 7683 3581 7689
TIME...MOT...LOC 2027Z 293DEG 16KT 3655 7669 3627 7680 3588 7711
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
MMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
443 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
MDZ021-022-072130-
Dorchester MD-Wicomico MD-
443 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Wicomico and east central Dorchester Counties through 530 PM EDT...
At 442 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Sharptown, or 10 miles southeast of Hurlock, moving southwest at 15
mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Reduced visibility and minor flooding
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Hebron around 455 PM EDT.
Vienna around 500 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Galestown, Mardela
Springs, Brookview and Eldorado.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Do not
drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3846 7569 3846 7560 3841 7560 3839 7587
3862 7578 3862 7571
TIME...MOT...LOC 2042Z 029DEG 14KT 3851 7573
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
TGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
444 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
VAZ088-092-072130-
Sussex VA-Southampton VA-
444 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Southampton
and central Sussex Counties through 530 PM EDT...
At 444 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Sussex, or 14 miles east of Purdy, moving southeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph, heavy rain, and frequent
lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Reduced visibility and minor flooding
possible. Frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes.
Locations impacted include...
Sussex, Jarratt, Stony Creek, Adams Grove, Gray, Booker, Yale,
Lumberton, Huske, Worrell, Littleton, Hilda, Owens, Mason, Sebrell,
Drewryville and Joyner.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Do not
drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
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 3679 7748 3686 7746 3686 7748 3685 7750
3685 7751 3690 7755 3700 7738 3684 7700
3664 7737
TIME...MOT...LOC 2044Z 316DEG 16KT 3688 7733
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
MMPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
521 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0500 PM Flash Flood 3 ENE Catchpenny 38.36N 75.68W
07/07/2023 Wicomico MD Public
Flooding reported by public near the
intersection of Rockwalkin Rd and Warronton
Ave.
&&
EISpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
533 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
VAZ083-518-520-072200-
New Kent VA-Eastern King William VA-Eastern King and Queen VA-
533 PM EDT Fri Jul 7 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern King
and Queen, northeastern New Kent and southeastern King William
Counties through 600 PM EDT...
At 533 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
King And Queen Court House, moving south southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Little Plymouth around 545 PM EDT.
West Point around 555 PM EDT.
Shacklefords around 600 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Mattaponi, Eltham,
Mascot, Velma, Ino, Romancoke, Dragonville, Plum Point, Clancie and
Rose Garden.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3777 7679 3774 7675 3771 7675 3770 7673
3768 7673 3766 7672 3763 7669 3762 7667
3759 7666 3756 7666 3748 7692 3772 7696
3778 7679
TIME...MOT...LOC 2133Z 342DEG 20KT 3769 7686
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...45 MPH
EIThe Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 72 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:49 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Tree was downed on Foxes Tract Road.
Tree limbs were downed onto power lines at West Green Springs Road. Numerous power outages were reported.
Tree limbs were downed on Cloverdale Road. Several power outages were reported.
Trees were downed along Cartersville Road at Route 45.
Trees were downed in numerous locations along Anderson and Cumberland Roads in the western portion of the county.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, July 2023
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: 1123410, 1123407, 1123408, 1123411, 1123409.