A moist and unstable air mass was in place on July 15. This allowed for widespread, slow-moving storms to move across portions of central, southern, and southeastern 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 on July 15. This allowed for widespread, slow-moving storms to move across portions of central, southern, and southeastern Virginia. An isolated storm become severe and produced damaging winds across southern 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 15, 2:09 PM EST, 29 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
309 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
.SYNOPSIS...
An unsettled weather pattern continues through midweek with
scattered thunderstorms possible each day. Heavy rainfall and
localized flooding will be possible each day before the heat
rebuilds Thursday and Friday.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/...
As of 308 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Flood Watch in effect through midnight tonight for all
central, eastern, and southeastern Virginia
counties/independent cities along with southeast Maryland.
- Heavy rainfall will bring a flash flooding threat, especially
for vulnerable areas that have received significant rain the
past several days.
GOES Visible imagery is showing the thick cloud cover that was across
the area this morning starting to scatter out this afternoon. With
sunshine making its way to the surface, temperatures have been able
to reach the lower to mid 80s, with a few areas reaching the upper
80s. Temperatures should be able to climb into the upper 80s to near
90 degrees over the next few hours. With the addition of sunshine
and increasing temperatures, mesoanalysis reveals between 2000-2500
J/kg of MLCAPE across our area. PW values remain at 2"+, so the
stage is being set for another round of convection. KAKQ radar is
detecting a the development of showers and thunderstorms between
Mecklenburg and Sussex, which are right along a weak boundary. This
boundary will continue to support the continual development of
storms over the next few hours, so there are further flooding
concerns for this afternoon. The boundary extends just south of
where some of the heaviest rainfall fell last night and early this
morning, so we will continue to keep a close eye on any developing
storms in this area, as flash-flood guidance in these more
vulnerable areas is very low and it will not take much for further
flooding.
Additionally, a slow-moving shortwave trough is moving across the
Mid-Atlantic this afternoon which will provide some upper-level
support so storms can sustain themselves for longer periods of time.
With the steering flow negligible, the main threat will continue to
be flash-flooding. Slow moving to almost stationary storms will lead
to extended periods of heavy rainfall for localized areas across our
forecast area. The challenge is pinpointing exactly where any storm
development will take place heading into the evening. Due to the
increased vulnerability of areas between Farmville and Petersburg,
WPC has upgraded this small area to a Moderate ERO. WPC has a
majority of our forecast area in a Slight ERO today, and scattered
instances of flash-flooding are possible. A Marginal ERO is in place
across eastern North Carolina where isolated instances of flash-
flooding could occur.
As we lose daytime heating this evening into tonight, convection
should taper off but cannot rule out a few additional showers.
Pending the end time of convection, patchy fog could develop
overnight. Temperatures will drop into the lower to mid 70s
tonight.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 308 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Unsettled pattern continues into Wednesday with additional
rounds of showers and storms as the front stalls NW of the
area.
A similar pattern continues into Wednesday, with a bit more flow
aloft possible during the afternoon and evening as a shortwave in
the SW flow aloft potentially moves across the region. The frontal
boundary currently stalled to our NW will linger near the area and
could be the target of storms, so the areas of highest rain chances
will shift to the northern portions of our forecast area tomorrow.
No real changes in the airmass through Wednesday with PWATs
remaining around 2" so the threat for localized heavy rainfall and
gusty winds persists. Due to the low flash flood guidance across the
area, WPC has placed our area in a Marginal ERO to account for that
and the possibility of scattered coverage. Continued seasonally hot
and humid with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Warm and muggy
Wednesday night with lows in the 70s.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 308 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Message:
- Heat and humidity build late in the week with Heat Advisories
possible.
Looking ahead to late-week, upper ridging will build northwards into
the area through the weekend. Convective coverage will diminish to
isolated on Thursday. With the decreased cloud cover and storms
combined with the upper ridging, temperatures will be able to climb
into the lower to mid 90s Thursday through Sunday with the northern
part of the area possibly only reaching the upper 80s Friday through
Sunday. The shower coverage will be at its lowest on Thursday, and
with partly cloudy skies forecast in the eastern and dew points
creeping up into the mid-upper 70s, Heat Advisories may be required
for portions of the area. A front will approach the region Friday
and linger just north of the area through the weekend, which could
help initiate showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. With
shower coverage a little higher Friday through Sunday, Heat
Advisories may not be required, though we could see the SE/S portion
of our area reach the 105F+ criteria.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 145 PM EDT Tuesday...
Intermittent MVFR/IFR CIGS are currently ongoing at all terminals
this afternoon. Cloud cover is starting to dwindle from west to
east, so clouds should scatter out starting at RIC. Have included
TEMPOS to account for the low CIGS through 19Z. Meanwhile, showers
and thunderstorms have started to develop in the southern part of
the forecast area and are moving northeast. Convective coverage
should increase over the next few hours, and have included a PROB30
at ORF, PHF, and RIC. Did not have enough confidence in timing to
include a TEMPO for thunderstorms at any of these terminals, so
amendments will likely be necessary. Storms will decrease in
coverage overnight, though some fog and low stratus are possible at
the terminals early tomorrow morning. Winds outside of convection
will be southwest at 5-10 kts, possibly becoming light and variable
overnight.
Outlook: Additional scattered to numerous afternoon and evening
thunderstorms are expected to recur Wed. Shower/storm coverage
is forecast to be a bit lower late in the week.
&&
.MARINE...
As of 308 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Benign marine conditions continue through Wednesday night, outside
of local influences from afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
- Small Craft Advisories are likely Wednesday night into Thursday,
mainly across the Chesapeake Bay and lower James River.
Strong high pressure well offshore continues to keep the prevailing
southerly flow across the local waters. Winds are mostly S-SE 5-10
kt with gusts from convection up to 15 kt. The pressure gradient
sharpens some into Wednesday as low pressure tracks well N of the
area through the Great Lakes region. 10-15 kt SW winds are expected
through Wednesday. Beginning Wednesday night, SCA conditions are
likely, as local probabilities now show 80-99% for 18 kt sustained
winds over the Ches. Bay and coastal waters. Although, confidence
for headlines over the coastal waters is lower, as the probability
for sustained 25 kt is only up to 10%. Winds may remain elevated
through the day Thursday and begin to decrease Thursday night. Since
the timeframe is still a few periods out, opting to hold off on
headlines for now. Waves and seas remain benign around 1 ft and 2
ft, respectively. Although likely staying benign through the
forecast period, waves and seas will increase slightly Wednesday
night to 2-3 ft and 3-4 ft, respectively, before decreasing again
Thursday night.
There is a moderate rip current risk for the northern beaches
tomorrow as seas will build throughout the day and the swell will
become more shore normal. A low risk remains for the southern
beaches.
Isolated to scattered afternoon/evening showers/tstms will continue
much of the week. The main hazards with tstms will be brief strong
wind gusts, frequent lighting, and reduced visibility in heavy
rain.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Appomattox River above
Farmville through early tomorrow afternoon. Minor flooding is
forecast over the next few hours and is expected to crest just
after midnight tonight.
&&
.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for MDZ021>025.
NC...None.
VA...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for VAZ048-060>062-
064>069-075>090-092-093-095>100-509>525.
MARINE...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...AJZ
NEAR TERM...NB
SHORT TERM...AJZ/NB
LONG TERM...AJZ/NB
AVIATION...JKP/NB
MARINE...KMC/SW
HYDROLOGY...Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 333 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025 NCZ012>017-030>032-102-161945- Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck- Bertie-Chowan-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck- 333 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Showers and storms are possible this afternoon and evening. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds will accompany the stronger storms. Localized flash flooding is possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Daily scattered showers and storms will remain possible each day through midweek. Locally heavy rain and flash flooding are the primary concerns. Additionally, heat indices could reach 105F+ on Friday, so Heat Advisories may be required. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MDZ021>025-VAZ048-060>062-064>069-075>090-092-093-095>100-509>525- 161945- Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches- Fluvanna-Prince Edward-Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Mecklenburg- Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia-Powhatan-Westmoreland-Richmond- Northumberland-Lancaster-Brunswick-Dinwiddie- Prince George (including Hopewell and Petersburg)-Charles City- New Kent-Gloucester-Middlesex-Mathews-Greensville-Sussex-Surry- James City-Southampton-Isle of Wight-Norfolk/Portsmouth-Suffolk- Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-Accomack-Northampton-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- 333 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025 ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, central Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north central Virginia, south central 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. Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Daily scattered showers and storms will remain possible each day through midweek. Additional rounds of locally heavy rain will also make additional instances of flash flooding possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
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</html>Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
253 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
VAZ088-092-151930-
Sussex VA-Southampton VA-
253 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL SOUTHAMPTON AND
SOUTHEASTERN SUSSEX COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 252 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles east of Green Plain, or 11 miles west of Courtland, moving
northeast 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.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of central Southampton
and southeastern Sussex Counties, including the following
locations... Vicksville, Dory, Lumberton, Sebrell, Manry, Joyner,
Worrell, and Littleton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3670 7726 3676 7734 3700 7715 3682 7694
TIME...MOT...LOC 1852Z 228DEG 19KT 3675 7726
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
BROWNSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
302 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
VAZ092-093-096-151930-
Isle of Wight VA-Southampton VA-Suffolk VA-
302 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHAMPTON...AND
SOUTHWESTERN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTIES...THE CITY OF FRANKLIN AND THE
SOUTHWESTERN CITY OF SUFFOLK THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 302 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Courtland to Franklin to 7 miles southeast
of Hunterdale. Movement was northeast at 15 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...
Franklin, Courtland, Suffolk, and Hunterdale around 305 PM EDT.
Carrsville around 310 PM EDT.
Holland around 320 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Collosse, Lees Mill,
Walters, Boaz, Burdette, Cleopus, Elwood, and Story.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3680 7692 3677 7676 3661 7671 3655 7693
3666 7701 3671 7710
TIME...MOT...LOC 1902Z 245DEG 10KT 3672 7701 3669 7693 3661 7689
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
BROWNPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
307 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0249 PM Flash Flood 3 W Ante 36.67N 77.78W
07/15/2025 Brunswick VA Dept of Highways
Standing water on On Rt. 674 in the County
of Brunswick, in the vicinity of Dry Bread
Rd; Rt. 611E/W (Brunswick County) All north
lanes are closed. All south lanes are
closed.
&&
HETPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
330 PM EDT Tue Jul 15 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0329 PM Flash Flood Gum Forks 36.51N 77.68W
07/15/2025 Northampton NC 911 Call Center
Water is rushing over NC Hwy 46.
&&
HETThe Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 62 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:37 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The 911 call center reported a downed tree on Elm Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, July 2025
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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1281099.