A frontal system intensified as it moved from the southern Mississippi River Valley into the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia on February 12. Behind this front was an exceptional pressure gradient that created damaging wind gusts during the morning hours of February 13.
Every event with a place to put it; 4 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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 frontal system intensified as it moved from the southern Mississippi River Valley into the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia on February 12. Behind this front was an exceptional pressure gradient that created damaging wind gusts during the morning hours of February 13. Damage to trees was enhanced due to a saturated ground from recent rainfall.
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 Feb 12, 7:32 PM EST, 4 hours 8 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
732 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong storm system will impact the mid-Atlantic and southeast
U.S. through Tuesday. Rain will overspread the area tonight,
then colder air will change rain to snow showers in the higher
elevations Tuesday morning. Expect strong to damaging northwest
winds Tuesday morning as well in the mountains and foothills.
High pressure builds in for midweek.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 725 PM EST Monday
Key Message:
1. No change to timing and location of High Wind Warning and
Wind Advisories
2. Increased the strongest wind gusts in the High Wind Warning
to 65 mph
Low pressure was over eastern Tennessee with a warm front
extending from the low through northern North Carolina and a
cold front trailing into the Gulf of Mexico.
Still seeing widespread drizzle and fog over the area, with
pockets of light rain. Watching the line of showers from eastern
Tennessee through western Georgia. As the low moves east-
northeast this band would be the most likely opportunity to get
an isolated thunderstorm overnight.
No change to temperatures at this time.
Previous discussion
As of 145 PM EST Monday
Strong low pressure is centered over Central Alabama
this afternoon and is expected to continue to strengthen as it
moves northeast into the Mid-Atlantic. Rain still remains to the
south along a stationary front currently situated east to west
across the Carolinas. Better isentropic lift will move north as
the low moves north and strengthens, so expecting rain to become
more widespread this evening and overnight. Toned back the PoPs
for this afternoon considering rain still remains well to the
south.
Low pressure will track nearly overhead overnight and quickly off
the New Jersey coast by daybreak Tuesday. With the current progged
track of the low, triple point may be situated somewhere over
Southern Virginia. Some convection allowing models have a brief
window for some marginal instability to build north just ahead of
the front either side of midnight for the VA/NC border region. This
may provide for an isolated instance of a stronger storm or two
within this zone. With the progged kinematic parameter space, only
marginal instability is needed for storms. Other than some isolated
convection, some localized flooding could be possible as well where
heavier bands of rain track over the same locations.
Winds will transition from the south/southwest quickly to the
northwest as the low moves northeast. A strong post-frontal wind
signal still remains among guidance. Very sharp pressure rises,
coinciding with a 50kt-60kt low level jet will likely allow for
strong gusts to mix to the surface. Areas along the Blue Ridge from
Roanoke south to Boone could potentially see wind gusts up to 60mph
starting around daybreak Tuesday. Either side of the Blue Ridge
could see gusts as high as 50mph. With wet ground, could be
easier to topple trees. With higher confidence in the winds, the
Wind Advisory was expanded east during the morning update. No
plans to change the current headlines at the moment. Window of
the strongest winds will be from 6am Tuesday through 2pm
Tuesday. Winds will remain gusty into Tuesday evening, but will
steadily trend downward into Tuesday night.
&&
.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
As of 100 PM EST Monday...
Key Messages:
1. Dry but breezy for Wednesday with near normal temperatures.
2. Precipitation returns to the west for late Thursday.
In the wake of a strong departing low pressure system, surface high
pressure will build in over the eastern US, bringing an end to any
lingering shower activity in the west by early Wednesday morning.
Breezy conditions will continue through most of Wednesday,
decreasing after sunset as the pressure gradient gradually
decreases. This surface high will lead to clearer skies and dry
weather for mid week. 500mb heights increase Thursday as some upper
ridging develops over the eastern US, allowing for temperatures to
rise to above normal for Thursday. A northern stream upper trough
traverses southern Canada by the end of the week. The cold front
associated with this system reaches the Mid Atlantic by late
Thursday, and will bring some precipitation to the area, mainly
confined to west of the Blue Ridge, especially southeast West
Virginia. This shower activity looks to be short lived, as the cold
front and upper low move farther away from the area, with coverage
of showers diminishing by Friday morning. Ensemble guidance show
negative temperature anomalies for Thursday night into Friday,
suggesting that precipitation may start as rain, but transition to
snow in the western mountains overnight.
&&
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 100 PM EST Monday...
Key Messages:
1. Mainly dry conditions for Friday.
2. Precipitation chances increase again Saturday.
3. Dry conditions return Sunday and Monday.
Surface high pressure will approach the area by the end of the week,
and following the passage of the cold front Thursday night, build
into the area Friday, and shower activity over the western mountains
will come to an end by early to midday Friday. Another, but deeper,
upper trough crosses southern Canada through the weekend, and its
associated cold front will push into the region from the west
through Saturday. Southwesterly flow ahead of this front will advect
moisture in from the Gulf of Mexico, increasing chances for
precipitation through Saturday. Deterministic long range models show
considerable differences in the coverage and timing of precipitation
for Saturday, so confidence is low in impacts from that system as
this time. Behind that front, a colder and drier airmass moves into
the eastern US, with negative 850mb temperature anomalies suggested
by the long range ensembles, so thinking temperatures will be below
normal for the weekend. Surface high pressure slides eastward from
the south central US by the end of the weekend and beginning of the
work week, marking a return to dry conditions after the frontal
passage on Saturday.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 715 PM EST Monday...
Weather conditions will be changing rapidly as first a warm front
then a cold front cross West Virginia, Virginia, and North
Carolina before 12Z/7AM as low pressure tracks from central
Tennessee to off the DelMarVa Coast by Tuesday morning.
Will be starting the TAF forecast period with LIFR ceilings and
areas of drizzle and MVFR to LIFR fog with light winds. Once the
warm front passes the wind becomes southwest with increasing
wind speeds. Much of the fog will dissipate at that time. The
cold from sweeps across the region between 06Z/1AM to 12Z/7AM
with the timing for local TAF sites taken from 3KM NAM Bufkit
forecast soundings and the similar 1D NBM viewer.
The wind direction turns to the west and northwest behind the
cold front. A sharp uptick in wind speed is expected with wind
gusts in the 30 to 45 kt range at the local TAF sites. Wind
gusts around 60 knots are likely in the higher elevations of the
northwest North Carolina mountains. The strongest wind will be
in the morning, and although the sustained wind and gusts
slacken by afternoon, gusts of 20 to 30 kts are expected during
the afternoon.
Rain will end will the passage of the cold front with a clearing
sky not far behind east of the Blue Ridge. Have KROA, KLYH, and
KDAN back to VFR by 15Z/10AM. It will be a different story over
the mountains. The strong west wind will maintain MVFR clouds on
the western slopes of the central Appalachians. Scattered to
isolated MVFR snow showers are possible at KBLF and KLWB in the
morning.
AVIATION OUTLOOK...
VFR Wednesday into Thursday as high pressure works in. There is
a small chance of rain and snow showers with MVFR ceiling and
visibility in southeast West Virginia on Thursday and Friday.
A more organized storm system will approach the region from the
southwest on Saturday, bringing sub-VFR conditions and the
probability of rain.
&&
.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...High Wind Warning from 3 AM to 3 PM EST Tuesday for VAZ015>017.
Wind Advisory from 6 AM to 3 PM EST Tuesday for VAZ007-009>014-
018>020-022>024-032>035-043>045-058.
NC...High Wind Warning from 3 AM to 3 PM EST Tuesday for NCZ001-002-
018.
Wind Advisory from 6 AM to 3 PM EST Tuesday for NCZ003>006-019-
020.
WV...Wind Advisory from 6 AM to 3 PM EST Tuesday for WVZ042>044-507-
508.
&&
SYNOPSIS...BMG
NEAR TERM...AMS/BMG
SHORT TERM...AS
LONG TERM...AS
AVIATION...AMS/BMGHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 221 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024 VAZ007-009>014-018>020-022>024-034-035-045-WVZ042>044-507-508-131930- Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst- Campbell-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier- 221 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Localized flooding may occur from periods of moderate rain tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ003>006-019-020-VAZ032-033-043-044-058-131930- Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-Patrick-Franklin-Henry- Pittsylvania-Halifax- 221 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Locally heavy rainfall this afternoon into tonight is possible, which could lead to minor flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015>017-131930- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd- 221 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM EST TUESDAY... 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. High Wind Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. High Wind Warning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather by calling 1-866-215-4324, social media, email at rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or online at www.weather.gov/rnk. VAZ046-047-059-131930- Appomattox-Buckingham-Charlotte- 221 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia and south central Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
955 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
NCZ001-002-018-019-VAZ007-009-015-130400-
Ashe NC-Wilkes NC-Watauga NC-Alleghany NC-Tazewell VA-Grayson VA-
Smyth VA-
955 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
...INTENSE SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
ALLEGHANY...WILKES...WATAUGA AND ASHE COUNTIES IN NORTHWESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA...SMYTH...TAZEWELL AND WESTERN GRAYSON COUNTIES IN
SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA THROUGH 1100 PM EST...
At 953 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong showers and
isolated thunderstorms along a line extending from Ermine to Erwin.
Movement was northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Boone...
Marion...
Richlands...
Bluefield...
Tazewell...
North Wilkesboro...
and Wilkesboro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, seek 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3612 8155 3611 8181 3621 8190 3630 8190
3634 8171 3663 8160 3714 8190 3724 8174
3721 8156 3734 8136 3723 8123 3715 8133
3709 8127 3703 8146 3657 8117 3656 8090
3645 8098 3633 8087 3606 8088 3600 8132
TIME...MOT...LOC 0253Z 240DEG 48KT 3710 8278 3617 8241
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
AMSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1127 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1104 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 NNE Saltville 36.89N 81.75W
02/12/2024 Smyth VA Law Enforcement
A few trees and a powerline downed on East
Main Street near the Holston River.
&&
VFJSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
1134 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
NCZ002-019-VAZ015-016-130515-
Wilkes NC-Alleghany NC-Grayson VA-Carroll VA-
1134 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT
ALLEGHANY AND NORTHERN WILKES COUNTIES IN NORTHWESTERN NORTH
CAROLINA...WESTERN CARROLL AND EASTERN GRAYSON COUNTIES IN
SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA AND THE CITY OF GALAX THROUGH 1215 AM EST...
At 1132 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers along a
line extending from Comers Rock to Fleetwood. Movement was east at
45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Galax...
Sparta...
Independence...
Fries...
Traphill...
Mc Grady...
and Ennice.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this line of showers and
may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through
flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3625 8147 3629 8141 3629 8137 3637 8136
3637 8125 3643 8126 3648 8132 3657 8135
3658 8121 3676 8123 3677 8109 3680 8106
3687 8075 3656 8089 3656 8091 3650 8093
3645 8098 3641 8096 3626 8102 3623 8147
TIME...MOT...LOC 0432Z 275DEG 29KT 3676 8125 3628 8149
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PMPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1135 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1105 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 WSW Thomas Bridge 36.75N 81.61W
02/12/2024 Smyth VA Law Enforcement
One tree downed onto a power line on Red
Stone Road between Tilson Hollow Road and
Belle Hollow road. Time estimated from
radar.
&&
VFJThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
4 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
At least four trees were uprooted by high winds and one power line was blown down.|Approximately a dozen homes were impacted by a power outage.
A few trees were blown down by high winds, including one at the intersection of Shepherds Place and Pipers Gap Road.
A few trees were blown down by high winds. One tree was blown down near the 150 block of Grassy Hill Road and blocked the road. Another trees was blown down near the 800 block of Briar Ridge Road and also blocked the road.
A few trees were blown down by high winds.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, February 2024
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: 1164490, 1164491, 1164501, 1164493.