A moist and unstable air mass was in place with dew points generally in the mid to upper 70s on July 23, 2024. This resulted in scattered heavy rain and flooding 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.
A moist and unstable air mass was in place with dew points generally in the mid to upper 70s on July 23, 2024. This resulted in scattered heavy rain and flooding 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 23, 2:33 PM EST, 1 hour 32 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Wakefield VA 333 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024 .SYNOPSIS... Unsettled conditions are expected to continue through much of this week with scattered to numerous mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms each day. A cold frontal passage late this week may allow for a rain free weekend. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/... As of 215 PM EDT Tuesday... Key Messages: - Scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected this afternoon into tonight. - Localized flooding and isolated damaging wind gusts are possible with any storms. This afternoon, a broad, positively tilted upper trough continues to be centered from eastern Canada to the Midwest, with a Bermuda Ridge located offshore. Moist SW flow aloft continues over the area in between these two features. Additionally, there are several upper level disturbances embedded in the flow aloft (which has contributed to our unsettled wx these past several days). At the surface, high pressure is anchored offshore with a cold front well to our N/NW (from the nrn plains to Ontario/Quebec). There is a subtle stationary boundary located just along the border of our northern forecast area, which is evident in the CU field on visible satellite. Scattered to numerous showers/tstms have started to develop this afternoon, and will continue to do so as we head through this evening. Despite decent flow aloft (30-40 kt), PWs aoa 2" will allow the storms to be efficient rain producers, and a few areas will likely see 2" of rain in 30-45 minutes (as we have already started to see with some of the storms that have developed this afternoon). Combined with fairly wet antecedent conditions, flash flooding will be possible in a few spots, especially poor drainage and urban areas. The 12z HREF suggests 10-30% probs of 3"/3 hours for much of the area through this evening. The Piedmont has not seen quite as much precip over recent weeks so they should be able to handle some locally heavier rainfall (with a bit more concern for flash flooding across S/SE VA and NE NC). The severe threat remains low but can't rule out 40-50 mph gusts in the strongest storms this aftn/evening which could cause localized tree/power line damage (especially with the recent wet weather). The shower and storm threat gradually shifts east after midnight, but have kept at least low PoPs for most areas overnight for isolated to scattered showers/storms. Lows tonight drop back into the 70s. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 300 PM EDT Tuesday... Key Message: - Unsettled weather will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with a continued risk for flash flooding, especially along and south of Interstate 64. - Gradually improving conditions by Friday with the heavy rain threat shifting south of the local area. The broad trough gradually shifts eastward on Wed/Thu but the trough axis will remain to our west through the period. At the surface, and cold front will gradually approach from the north and will likely reach the Mason-Dixon line by Thursday evening. The front slowly drops south through the region Thursday night through Friday. SW flow aloft will persist (with disturbances in the flow continuing to track over the area). PWs remain in the 2.0-2.4" range on Wednesday and Thursday, and as such, we won't get any relief from the wet pattern. Wednesday and Thursday will be quite similar (except that we will have more cloud cover on Thursday which will result in highs only in the low-mid 80s versus upper 80s on Wednesday). Have kept likely PoPs across much of the area during the afternoon and evening on both days (highest across S/SE VA and NE NC), but there are hints that storms may start a bit earlier in the day on Thursday than Wednesday. Given the environment and recent wet weather, flash flooding will continue to be the main threat with a very low threat for severe wx (especially on Thu). WPC has a SLGT ERO for southern portions of the area on both days and a MRGL farther north. Areal average QPFs from today-Thu range from around 1" north to 2-4" south. Of course, locally higher amounts are likely given the nature of the convection. On Friday, the best PoPs (likely) become confined to far southern VA and NE NC, with slight chance to chance PoPs further north as the front continues to shift to the south. WPC has the SLGT ERO generally south of the Albemarle Sound, with a MRGL extending north into far southern VA. High temperatures on Friday generally range from the low to mid 80s. && .LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/... As of 300 PM EDT Tuesday... Key Messages: - Dry weather returns for this weekend. The ECMWF and GFS continue to suggest much lower precipitable water values this weekend as high pressure builds in from the north behind the front. As such, will keep the forecast dry for the weekend into Monday. Temperatures will generally stay close to or slightly below normal through Saturday with most areas in the 80s. Temperatures will gradually creep up by early next week with upper 80s expected on Mon/Tue. && .AVIATION /20Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 215 PM EDT Tuesday... Scattered to numerous showers/tstms are expected this afternoon through the first part of tonight at the VA/NC terminals with slightly lower chances at SBY. Brief IFR-LIFR restrictions and gusty winds to 25-30 kt are likely with any tstm. Outside of any convection, generally VFR conditions this afternoon with SCT to BKN CU ~4000 feet. CIG drop to MVFR (w/ localized IFR possible, best chance RIC) early Wed AM due to stratus. Winds remain S-SW at ~10 kt through the period. Unsettled conditions continue through Friday with daily chances of mainly aftn/evening showers/tstms. && .MARINE... As of 330 PM EDT Tuesday... Key Message: - Prevailing sub-advisory conditions are expected to continue through the period, although thunderstorms are possible each day through the end of the week (mainly during the afternoon/evening). A stationary front is still draped across the local area this afternoon, while the Bermuda high remains stationed offshore. The front will remain in the vicinity for the next few days. Later in the week, high pressure will try to build in from the N, which will push a cold front through the region. While sub-SCA conditions will prevail through the period, daily showers and thunderstorms through Friday may bring locally elevated winds/waves, for which SMWs will be issued as needed. The winds will follow a generally diurnal pattern through the end of the week. S-SW winds will be 8-12kt from mid-morning through the evening. During the late evening through morning hours, winds will pick up closer to 15kt in the bay, coastal waters, and lower James. The cold front should push south through the area sometime Friday morning. Behind it, winds turn to the N, then NE at 5-10kt. Onshore winds at 5-10kt are then likely to persist through the weekend. Seas will be 2-3ft this afternoon through Wednesday night. Seas then increase slightly to 3-4ft (mostly N of Cape Charles) Wed night through Thurs morning. Seas diminish to 2ft late in the week and into the weekend. Waves in the bay and lower James will be 1-2ft and 1ft or less elsewhere. The moderate rip current risk for the Eastern Shore beaches will continue tomorrow. Rip current risk remains low for southern beaches. && .AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MD...None. NC...None. VA...None. MARINE...None. && SYNOPSIS...AJB/ERI NEAR TERM...AJB SHORT TERM...AJB/ERI LONG TERM...AJB/ERI/MRD AVIATION...AJB MARINE...AM
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 355 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024 MDZ021>024-NCZ012>017-030>032-102-VAZ048-060>062-064>069-075>090-092- 093-095>098-509>525-242000- Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-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-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- 355 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024 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...This afternoon and tonight. Thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rain through tonight, which could lead to flash flooding in a few spots. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. An unsettled pattern continues through Friday with continued potential for heavy rainfall and associated flash flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MDZ025-VAZ099-100-242000- Maryland Beaches-Accomack-Northampton- 355 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024 ...MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, eastern Virginia and southeast 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. MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK. Thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rain through tonight, which could lead to flash flooding in a few spots. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK. An unsettled pattern continues through Friday with continued potential for heavy rainfall and associated flash flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
212 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
VAZ065-066-079-231915-
Lunenburg VA-Mecklenburg VA-Brunswick VA-
212 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT MECKLENBURG...SOUTHERN LUNENBURG
AND WEST CENTRAL BRUNSWICK COUNTIES THROUGH 315 PM EDT...
At 211 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Clarksville, or 12 miles south of Chase City,
moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts 30 to 40 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.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Boydton around 225 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Wilburn, Spanish
Grove, Beechwood, Finchley, Finneywood, Forksville, Fairview,
Plantersville, Rogers Corner, and Pleasant Grove.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3657 7873 3658 7872 3665 7871 3669 7869
3669 7865 3664 7858 3664 7856 3670 7865
3689 7849 3691 7849 3703 7838 3678 7794
3654 7820 3654 7873
TIME...MOT...LOC 1811Z 219DEG 14KT 3663 7851
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
229 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
VAZ084-086-090-523-524-231915-
Mathews VA-Newport News VA-York VA-Gloucester VA-James City VA-
229 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN GLOUCESTER...
CENTRAL YORK...WEST CENTRAL MATHEWS...AND SOUTHEASTERN JAMES CITY
COUNTIES...THE NORTHERN CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS AND THE CITY OF
WILLIAMSBURG THROUGH 315 PM EDT...
At 229 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Busch Gardens, or near Williamsburg, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Newport News, Grove, Lee Hall, and Busch Gardens around 235 PM
EDT.
Virginia Institute For Marine Sciences and Gloucester Point around
240 PM EDT.
Wicomico around 245 PM EDT.
Achilles around 250 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Ordinary, Lackey,
Beulah, Water Country U.S.A., Glass, Naxera, Maryus, Severn, Selden,
and Ware Neck.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3729 7633 3722 7634 3716 7667 3717 7668
3717 7666 3720 7669 3717 7670 3723 7673
3746 7644 3728 7631
TIME...MOT...LOC 1829Z 246DEG 22KT 3721 7665
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
AMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
325 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
VAZ080-081-087>089-092-093-232030-
Prince George VA-Isle of Wight VA-Surry VA-Dinwiddie VA-Sussex VA-
Southampton VA-Greensville VA-
325 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT GREENSVILLE...SOUTHWESTERN ISLE
OF WIGHT...SOUTHAMPTON...SOUTHWESTERN PRINCE GEORGE...SUSSEX...
SOUTHEASTERN DINWIDDIE AND CENTRAL SURRY COUNTIES...THE CITY OF
FRANKLIN AND THE CITY OF EMPORIA THROUGH 430 PM EDT...
At 324 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Sussex, or 15 miles northwest of Courtland, moving
east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts 30 to 40 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.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Wakefield around 400 PM EDT.
Ivor around 410 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Vicksville, Booth
Fork, Adams Grove, Carsley, Grizzard, Bufford Crossroads, Lanes
Corner, Booker, Yale, and Lumberton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3696 7762 3718 7691 3675 7675 3669 7683
3655 7767
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 249DEG 23KT 3684 7730
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
331 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
NCZ013-030-031-232030-
Hertford NC-Bertie NC-Chowan NC-
331 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT BERTIE...SOUTHWESTERN HERTFORD
AND WEST CENTRAL CHOWAN COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM EDT...
At 331 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 8 miles north of Robersonville, or 9 miles northwest of
Williamston, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Powellsville around 410 PM EDT.
Ahoskie around 415 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Goose Pond, Whites
Crossroads, Kelford, Earleys, Menola, Connaritsa, Republican, Trap,
Mount Gould, and Quitsna.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3586 7704 3590 7702 3594 7704 3593 7709
3593 7713 3594 7713 3593 7719 3599 7721
3601 7721 3606 7733 3609 7731 3611 7723
3612 7725 3612 7724 3616 7727 3639 7711
3618 7664 3589 7691 3590 7694 3586 7701
TIME...MOT...LOC 1931Z 216DEG 28KT 3594 7720
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
352 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
NCZ016-017-102-VAZ097-098-232030-
Eastern Currituck NC-Camden NC-Western Currituck NC-Chesapeake VA-
Virginia Beach VA-
352 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CAMDEN...AND
NORTHERN CURRITUCK COUNTIES...THE EASTERN CITY OF CHESAPEAKE AND THE
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH THROUGH 430 PM EDT...
At 352 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Kempsville to near
South Mills. Movement was east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Northwest, Fentress, and Princess Anne
around 355 PM EDT.
Back Bay around 410 PM EDT.
Moyock around 415 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Rudee Heights,
Snowden, Mount Pleasant, Princess Anne Plaza, Sigma, Sandbridge
Beach, Tar Corner, Oceana NAS, Sharon, and Munden.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3647 7643 3683 7621 3683 7620 3685 7618
3687 7619 3694 7614 3697 7596 3640 7577
TIME...MOT...LOC 1952Z 261DEG 17KT 3684 7608 3648 7633
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ButnerSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
431 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
VAZ089-092-093-096-232115-
Isle of Wight VA-Surry VA-Southampton VA-Suffolk VA-
431 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT ISLE OF WIGHT...NORTHEASTERN
SOUTHAMPTON AND SOUTHEASTERN SURRY COUNTIES AND THE NORTH CENTRAL
CITY OF SUFFOLK THROUGH 515 PM EDT...
At 431 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Elberon to near Zuni to near Carrsville.
Movement was east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Windsor, Suffolk, Isle Of Wight, Zuni, and Elberon around 435 PM
EDT.
Smithfield around 440 PM EDT.
Rescue and Kings Fork around 455 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Rushmere, Booth
Fork, Pons, Carrollton, Chippokes State Park, Longview, Benns Church,
Bethel Church, Ellis Fork, and Chuckatuck.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to
localized flooding. 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 3691 7693 3700 7697 3705 7696 3705 7699
3706 7699 3718 7669 3717 7670 3717 7668
3718 7668 3720 7664 3716 7661 3713 7662
3711 7661 3708 7661 3701 7650 3675 7656
3675 7689
TIME...MOT...LOC 2031Z 249DEG 22KT 3705 7689 3694 7681 3677 7685
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
AMThe Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 71 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:05 UTC.
5 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
The 911 call center reported a water rescue with a vehicle in the water in Chesterfield County.
The 911 call center reported a vehicle was stranded in high water.
The 911 call center reported several flooded roads across Chesterfield County.
VDOT reported that Cold Harbor Road was closed in the vicinity of Haynes Drive due to standing water.
The 911 call center reported flooding in the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Broad Rock Boulevard.
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, July 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: 1206295, 1206298, 1206296, 1206299, 1206297.