A short wave trough aloft approached the Mid-Atlantic from the west on July 9. Strong thunderstorms formed during the afternoon and evening with gusty winds and heavy rainfall.
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 short wave trough aloft approached the Mid-Atlantic from the west on July 9. Strong thunderstorms formed during the afternoon and evening with gusty winds and heavy 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 Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 8, 8:57 PM EST, 3 hours 13 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
957 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
.SYNOPSIS...
The risk for strong to severe thunderstorms and potential Flash
Flooding continues tomorrow. The unsettled pattern is expected
for the rest of the week, with scattered to numerous afternoon
through late evening thunderstorms each day. Near average
temperatures are expected later this week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/...
As of 957 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Flood Watch remains in effect Northern Neck and MD Eastern
Shore for the increased risk of potential Flash Flooding.
- Lull in thunderstorm activity expected early tomorrow morning
as current convection moves offshore.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are ongoing across the forecast
area this evening. While there was decent organization of storms
earlier this evening, that has since backed off and storms have
become more pulse-y in nature. Storm strength has also lessened,
though there are still a few Special Weather Statements in place due
to gusty winds. While there were a few thunderstorm wind damage
reports from various counties, these storms have used up a lot of
the instability to produce a prolific amount of lightning. The heavy
rainfall threat remains intact, with torrential rain falling from
Sussex County north through the MD Eastern Shore counties. A few
areas have received upwards of 4" of rain.
Overnight, storms will continue to move eastward towards the coast
and continue to diminish in coverage. A few strong storms and
isolated instance of flash-flooding are still possible with these
storms. As rainfall moves out of our area, there is some signal that
patchy fog could develop in areas that saw rainfall this evening.
Have maintained mention of patchy fog mainly in the piedmont area,
but this may need to be expanded pending how any fog does develop
overnight. Temperatures will drop into the lower to mid 70s (upper
70s in far SE VA and NE NC) overnight.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
As of 355 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Numerous thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon through
late evening on both Wednesday and Thursday, with coverage
expected to be fairly widespread over much of the area.
- Although there is a severe threat both days, the main concern with
the storms will be heavy rain/flooding, given that some areas could
see an additional 1-3+" of rain on consecutive days.
Typical July temperatures are expected for Wednesday and Thursday
with highs in the lower 90s and upper 80s. Dew points will be in the
middle 70s but given slightly cooler temperatures than Tuesday we
will be below Heat Advisory criteria with Heat Index values between
100 and 104 Wednesday and middle 90s Thursday. The main concern for
both these days will be strong to severe storms and Flash Flooding.
On Wednesday the upper trough will move over the area. The upper air
flow will continue to be out of the WSW, however, it will be
slightly stronger with winds ~25 kt across the south and 30 to 35 kt
across the north. Instability values will be around the same as
Tuesday with ML cape values ~3000. Dcape values will be between 750-
1000 J/kg. They are slightly weaker due to the weaker low level
lapse rates. Effective Bulk shear will again be ~25 kt just suitable
enough for strong to severe storms. Some of the high-res model
guidance continues to show these storms developing along the
mountains and moving across the Piedmont. The SPC has upgraded to a
slight risk for damaging winds across the north and west of I-95.
While keeping a marginal for the southeast. The risk for severe
storms continue through Thursday as instability values will continue
to be high and another frontal passage approaches from the west.
The biggest and most concerning threat for tomorrow is the risk for
additional Flash Flooding. Latest model guidance continues to show
PWs climbing upwards of 2-2.2". Recent High-res models continue to
show additional rain totals between 1 to 3" across already saturated
areas. There is also the potential that some of these areas could
see high amounts (4") due to the slow motion and more wide spread
convection. If the same areas that see high rain fall totals on
Tuesday see these higher amounts, this could lead to faster Flash
Flooding. The recent 12z HREF has shown a wide spread 10%
probability of 3" of rain in 3 hrs across the I-95 corridor and
west. It also highlights a 30% probability of 3" of rain in 3 hrs
across the RIC metro area north across the Northern Neck and MD
Eastern Shore. With all of the ingredients, model guidance, and
confidence in the forecast a Flood watch has been issued for I-95
corridor and north. This covers the peninsulas and MD Eastern
Shore. The SE has been left out at this time due to the uncertainty,
but depending on latest trends in the model data maybe added in the
future. The risk for potential flash flooding continues Thursday as
the daily risk of thunderstorms continue in an already saturated and
moisture driven environment.
&&
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 355 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Message:
- Staying seasonably warm and humid through the weekend with mainly
afternoon/evening storm chances persisting.
The seasonable yet unsettled July weather pattern continues through
the end of the week and into the weekend. An upper ridge to the
southeast and decently fast zonal flow aloft will move across the
northern United States and southern Canada. An upper level
disturbance will track over the local area with WSW flow aloft. This
will result in typical diurnal showers and thunderstorms each day
through the end of the weekend. The good news is the storm coverage
will be less this weekend than it is expected to be on Friday. Exact
details are difficult at this time to pinpoint this far out, the
main concern with any storms will likely be localized flash flooding
given the rain expected from today through Friday and continued weak
flow aloft. Highs each day will be around seasonal averages for this
time of year (upper 80s/around 90F).
&&
.AVIATION /02Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 736 PM EDT Tuesday...
Scattered thunderstorms are developing across the area this evening,
though most of it has steered clear of the terminals so far. This
will likely come to an end of the next few hours as storms become
more widespread. Have included a PROB30 at ORF, as confidence is a
little low to include a TEMPO at this time. TEMPOs are in place at
PHF, RIC, and SBY to account for the convection through later this
evening. There will be a lull overnight in storm activity through
tomorrow afternoon/evening. Though there is high confidence in storm
development tomorrow, the exact timing is a little tougher to nail
down at this time. Have only included a PROB30 at RIC for now, but
degraded flight conditions will likely need to be included at all
terminals as confidence increases in timing. Outside of storms,
winds will range between 5-10 kt from the southwest, though a
few gusts to 15 to 20 kts are not out of the question tomorrow
as daytime heating ramps up and allows for better mixing.
Lastly, guidance is hinting at some patchy fog and MVFR CIGs
potentially developing in the wake of the convection over the
Piedmont late tonight, perhaps inching close to RIC, so have
dropped to 5SM for a few hours.
Outlook: Mainly VFR outside of storms from Wed-Fri. Scattered
to numerous afternoon-late evening tstms are expected each day,
along with some early morning ground fog/stratus.
&&
.MARINE...
As of 355 PM EDT Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Strong to severe storms possible late this afternoon into this
evening across the northern waters where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch
is in effect.
- Southerly winds will increase late this afternoon into this
evening with a few gusts to 20 kt in the bay and 25 kt over the
ocean.
- Another round of gusty southerly winds expected again on Wed
afternoon/evening, along with possible strong to severe storms.
Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage late this
afternoon and into this evening ahead of a cold front well northwest
of the area. Some of the storms could be severe, especially
across the northern waters. Meanwhile, the pressure gradient
will tighten across the area this afternoon into this evening
which will allow for some gusty south winds into this evening.
Guidance is not in great agreement in the winds tonight but the
consensus is around 15 kt over the bay and 15 to 20 kt over the
ocean. Will not issue a SCA but conditions will be a little
choppy especially over the bay. Winds decrease tonight, but
then increase again on Wednesday as another round of showers and
storms impact the waters. Again, some of these could be strong
to severe as they move through. Beyond tomorrow, expect
relatively benign conditions across the waters for the remainder
of the week.
Seas generally 3 to 4 feet late this afternoon into tonight over the
coastal waters, then subsiding to 2 to 3 feet by tomorrow morning.
Seas then building again to 3 to locally 5 feet by Wed evening as
the south winds increase once again. Seas then falling to around 2-3
feet by Thursday and into the weekend. Waves over the bay 2 to 3
feet tonight then falling to 1 to 2 ft Wed AM, before building again
to 2 to 3 ft by tomorrow evening. Waves mostly 2 feet or less Thu
through the end of the week.
The moderate risk of rip currents remain in effect today, with low
rip currents expected Wed and Thu.
&&
.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flood Watch through late Wednesday night for MDZ021>025.
NC...None.
VA...Flood Watch through late Wednesday night for VAZ064-075>078-
084>086-517>522.
Flood Watch from Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday
night for VAZ048-060>062-065>069-079>083-087>090-509>516-
523.
MARINE...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...ERI/HET
NEAR TERM...HET/NB
SHORT TERM...HET
LONG TERM...ERI/HET
AVIATION...SW/NB
MARINE...RHRHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 906 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025 NCZ012>017-030>032-102-VAZ092-093-095>100-524-525-100115- Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck- Bertie-Chowan-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-Southampton-Isle of Wight- Norfolk/Portsmouth-Suffolk-Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-Accomack- Newport News-Hampton/Poquoson- 906 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina, eastern Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...Tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MDZ021>025-VAZ064-075>078-084>086-517>522-100115- Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches- Caroline-Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland-Lancaster-Gloucester- Middlesex-Mathews-Western King William-Eastern King William- Western King and Queen-Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex- Eastern Essex- 906 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north central Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .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. Flood Watch. Scattered showers and storms are possible Wednesday. Locally heavy rainfall and scattered instances of flash flooding are possible. A few storms could also become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts as the main threat. A few strong to severe storms are also possible on Thursday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. VAZ048-060>062-065>069-079>083-087>090-509>516-523-100115- Fluvanna-Prince Edward-Cumberland-Goochland-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg- Nottoway-Amelia-Powhatan-Brunswick-Dinwiddie- Prince George (including Hopewell and Petersburg)-Charles City- New Kent-Greensville-Sussex-Surry-James City-Western Louisa- Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover-Eastern Hanover-Western Chesterfield- Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)- Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico- York- 906 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, east central Virginia, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...Tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .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. Flood Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1116 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
VAZ061-062-069-090400-
Goochland VA-Powhatan VA-Cumberland VA-
1116 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN CUMBERLAND...
SOUTHWESTERN GOOCHLAND AND NORTHWESTERN POWHATAN COUNTIES THROUGH
MIDNIGHT EDT...
At 1116 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lakeside Village, or near Cartersville, moving east 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.
Locations impacted include...
Goochland, Cartersville, Fife, Trenholm, Lakeside Village, Duncan,
Hatchers, Sandy Hook, Rock Castle, Jefferson, Maidens, Provost, Three
Square, Irwin, Tamworth, Elk Hill, Whiteville, Michaux, Fine Creek
Mills, and West View.
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 3764 7825 3768 7824 3772 7822 3777 7790
3776 7789 3775 7783 3774 7782 3756 7781
3759 7828
TIME...MOT...LOC 0316Z 262DEG 15KT 3765 7817
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ButnerSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1146 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
MDZ022>025-VAZ099-090430-
Wicomico MD-Maryland Beaches MD-Somerset MD-Inland Worcester MD-
Accomack VA-
1146 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL SOMERSET...
SOUTHEASTERN WICOMICO...WORCESTER AND NORTHERN ACCOMACK COUNTIES
THROUGH 1230 AM EDT...
At 1146 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Parsonsburg to near Pocomoke City to
Parksley. Movement was east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, heavy rain, and frequent
lightning.
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.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Snow Hill around 1150 PM EDT.
Newark around 1155 PM EDT.
Berlin around 1205 AM EDT.
Ocean Pines around 1210 AM EDT.
Cape Isle Of Wight around 1215 AM EDT.
Ocean City around 1220 AM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Bishop, Horntown,
Hallwood, Mappsville, Ocean City Municipality, Goodwill,
Greenbackville, Wallops Island, Temperanceville, and Nelsonia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3832 7505 3809 7514 3785 7531 3783 7541
3776 7548 3771 7577 3806 7557 3845 7562
3845 7507 3846 7505
TIME...MOT...LOC 0346Z 251DEG 28KT 3833 7548 3809 7549 3781 7565
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
EISpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1152 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
VAZ511>513-515-516-090430-
Eastern Hanover VA-Western Chesterfield VA-Western Hanover VA-
Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond) VA-
Eastern Henrico VA-
1152 PM EDT Tue Jul 8 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL CHESTERFIELD...
CENTRAL HENRICO AND SOUTHEASTERN HANOVER COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF
RICHMOND THROUGH 1230 AM EDT...
At 1152 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Richmond, 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...
Richmond, Virginia Union University, Highland Springs, Downtown
Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, and East Highland Park
around 1155 PM EDT.
Mechanicsville around 1205 AM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Hanover Airport,
Montrose, Sandston, Longdale, Westwood, Richmond International, Fair
Oaks, Solomons Store, Chamberlayne, and Atlee.
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 3758 7763 3758 7762 3760 7763 3777 7740
3759 7714 3760 7717 3755 7722 3755 7723
3749 7718 3746 7745 3746 7747 3745 7749
3745 7753 3757 7764
TIME...MOT...LOC 0352Z 240DEG 21KT 3750 7745
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RogersSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1218 AM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025
VAZ061-062-068-069-513-090500-
Goochland VA-Western Chesterfield VA-Powhatan VA-Amelia VA-
Cumberland VA-
1218 AM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CHESTERFIELD...
CUMBERLAND...SOUTHERN GOOCHLAND...NORTHWESTERN AMELIA AND POWHATAN
COUNTIES THROUGH 100 AM EDT...
At 1218 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Manakin to Cumberland. Movement was
southeast at 10 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...
Powhatan, Cumberland, Tuckahoe, Sunnyside, Ballsville, Macon, and
Tobaccoville around 1225 AM EDT.
Bon Air around 1235 AM EDT.
Morven around 1240 AM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Angola, Crozier,
Rock Castle, Oak Forest, Pilkinton, Maidens, Three Square, Irwin,
Johnsons Springs, and Hawk.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3762 7826 3773 7820 3775 7818 3770 7771
3758 7762 3757 7764 3756 7765 3756 7761
3743 7752 3739 7798 3739 7842
TIME...MOT...LOC 0418Z 306DEG 10KT 3757 7772 3750 7824
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RogersPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1258 AM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1236 AM Flash Flood 1 S Bon Air 37.50N 77.56W
07/09/2025 Chesterfield VA Public
Report from mPING: River/Creek overflowing;
Cropland/Yard/Basement Flooding.
&&
EIPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
100 AM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1255 AM Flash Flood 2 NE Downtown Richmond 37.55N 77.44W
07/09/2025 City of Richmond VA Public
High water near the intersection of Leigh
and Belvidere St in Richmond. Report via
Waze.
&&
EIThe Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 75 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:10 UTC.
11 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
VDOT reported delays due to standing water on I-95 North near mile marker 77.2.
The public reported water starting to enter a home on Darbytown Road east of Downtown Richmond.
There were multiple public reports of flooding along 3 Notch Highway received via waze.
There were multiple public reports of flooding along James Madison Highway received via waze.
The 911 call center relayed multiple reports of flooding in downtown Farmville.
The 911 call center reported high water at Patrick Henry Highway and Mt. Zion Road.
A trained spotter reported street and yard flooding near the I-95 and I-295 interchange.
The 911 call center reported high water at the intersection of Rothbury Drive and Farnham Drive.
The 911 call center reported high water at the intersection of Old Hundred Road S and Genito Road.
The public reported flooding at the intersection of the Leigh Street Viaduct and Mosby Street.
VDOT reported US-360 closed in both directions in the vicinity of West River Road due to standing water.
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1288428, 1288430, 1288374, 1288375, 1288376, 1288377, 1288379, 1288380, 1288381, 1288382, 1288383.