A cold front attendant to a southern Canada low pressure center moved slowly through northwest North Carolina, causing showers and storms to form. Bulk shear of around 30kts in the North Carolina High Country encouraged some isolated severe thunderstorms to form during the afternoon of May 21st.
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 RNK wrote it up.
A cold front attendant to a southern Canada low pressure center moved slowly through northwest North Carolina, causing showers and storms to form. Bulk shear of around 30kts in the North Carolina High Country encouraged some isolated severe thunderstorms to form during the afternoon of May 21st.
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 May 21, 12:49 PM EST, 3 hours 6 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 149 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... The aviation forecast has been updated. Increasing confidence for afternoon thunderstorms this afternoon/evening. Heavy downpours likely and possibly strong gusty winds in the stronger storms. Rain chances likely to continue into next week with cooler temperatures on Friday and Saturday. && .KEY MESSAGES... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe weather expected across south central Virginia and north central North carolina today. KEY MESSAGE 2: Rain chances continue into next week. && .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe weather expected across south central Virginia and north central North carolina today. Two frontal boundaries are currently draped across the area today, with a backdoor front currently positioned along the I-64 corridor slowly sliding south and west into the south central Virginia Piedmont. A cold front from the west is also making progress through NW North Carolina and extreme SW Virginia early this afternoon as well. As these two fronts zipper closed on each other, enough forcing for ascent will trigger thunderstorm activity across much of the region. Currently SPC mesoanalysis has much of the area under 500-1000 J/Kg of SBCAPE, with near 700-1000 J/Kg of DCAPE. The SBCAPE will help with thunderstorm growth along the aforementioned frontal boundaries, and the DCAPE will aid in strong downburst formation. As downbursts move through the area, they will likely produce strong damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, that may cause downed trees, power poles, and damage to small structures. Any downed trees and power poles could lead to localized power outages across the area today. This mornings KRNK upper air sounding measured a PWAT of 1.18 inches; however, RAP mesoanalysis from SPC's mesoanalysis website has PWATs currently at 1.4 inches across a majority of the forecast area. Normally this type of frontal boundary collision combined with PWATs this high would lead to a higher flash flood potential across the area; however, with much of the area in extreme drought and desperately needing rainfall, the threat for flash flooding is low. Much of the areas FFG for the 1 and 3 hour timeframe is in the 3-4 inch range. While this isn't impossible to see today, any rainfall at these totals will likely be absorbed by parched local plant life, and to fill empty streams across the region. In summary, while it's possible to see locally heavy rainfall amounts in the 3-4 inch range today from these thunderstorms, the overall threat remains low given the ongoing extreme drought conditions. KEY MESSAGE 2: Rain chances continue into next week. By Friday, a surface high to our northeast will wedge into the mountains, offering cooler conditions for Friday and Saturday. (Friday will be the coolest with highs in the mid-50s to lower 60s). While the cold front will be well to the south by Friday morning, a surface low pressure system over the Mississippi will drag it back northward as a warm front and grant another round of showers for the area. The influence of the wedge will mean much of the storm development will be elevated. Cloud cover and lack of surface heating will prevent any serious convection but the warm front and continual stream of moisture at the 850mb level will provide ideal conditions for precipitation. It is still difficult to know how much rain will fall as much of the shower development will depend on the speed of the warm front and its duration in our area. The North Carolina counties look to be the favored region for rainfall amounts with totals reaching one inch between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Areas elsewhere may receive much less, between 0.25-0.67". Flood concerns are also low for this part of the forecast unless there is serious training over a specific location and assuming and rain from Thursday does not overperform. Nevertheless, PWAT values are to hold steady between 1.5-1.75" into next week which will allow for some heavier rainfall rates in some storms. By early next week, the warm front should be to our north and the CAD eroded. Warm air will return with highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s and dew points will be around the 50s and 60s. There may be a brief quiet period in the middle of next week, depending on how long it takes for the warm front to progress, before another frontal system approaches from the north towards the end of next week. This front will also be a triggering mechanism for storm development and keep the rain chances going. While the rain is excellent for the drought, more attention may be needed for possible flooding threats as several inches of rainfall may have fallen by the time the cold front arrives. Some models also hint the front may stall over the region which may prolong the precipitation trend. Confidence on flooding is still low given how far out this event is and it highly depends on how much rain falls before then. Once the front moves through, higher pressure moves in and should put a stop to the rain chances. && .AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... VFR conditions are currently disappearing across the area as showers and thunderstorms start to fill in over the region. MVFR to IFR CIGs and VSBYs will likely move in later this afternoon and evening with shower and thunderstorm activity before lowering CIGs from the wedge settle over the region starting around 00 UTC Friday. These CIGs look to remain in the IFR to LIFR levels through the end of the TAF period at all terminals as wedging remains in place for much of the weekend. Along with low CIGs, winds will predominantly be out of the northeast/east across all terminals at around 5-10 knots, with gusts in the 15-20 knot range at times. With warm moist air riding over the shallow cool air at the surface across the region, light on and off rain showers are expected through much of the overnight hours Thursday and daytime hours on Friday after Thursday afternoon's thunderstorm activity. These showers look to continue through the TAF period. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... Chances of showers and low CIGs look to persist through the weekend. This will keep ceilings at MVFR to IFR levels for most terminals. Warm southerly flow in the mid levels riding over cool northeast flow at the surface will keep these restrictions in place during this timeframe, as well as provide several opportunities for patchy fog at times. Guidance looks to keep daily rain chances and clouds in the forecast through much of next week, with afternoon convection returning starting Monday. These conditions may lead to poor flight conditions for much of next week. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && DISCUSSION...CG/EB AVIATION...EB
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 VAZ007-009-010-WVZ042>044-507-508-221815- Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- Western Greenbrier- 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ011>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-221815- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin- Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham- Halifax-Charlotte- 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a Marginal Risk for severe storms this afternoon and evening. The main threats are damaging winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. 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
317 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ034-045-211945-
Campbell VA-Bedford VA-
317 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN CAMPBELL AND
SOUTHEASTERN BEDFORD COUNTIES THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 317 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Altavista, moving northeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Altavista...
and Evington.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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 3711 7930 3712 7932 3712 7933 3714 7934
3714 7935 3713 7934 3713 7935 3715 7942
3732 7934 3724 7913
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 209DEG 8KT 3717 7933
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
340 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ034-212000-
Bedford VA-
340 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL BEDFORD COUNTY
THROUGH 400 PM EDT...
At 340 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Huddleston, moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Huddleston.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
If on or near Leesville Lake, get out of the water and move indoors
or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles
from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not
be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.
&&
LAT...LON 3706 7944 3706 7948 3704 7948 3707 7955
3721 7950 3716 7938
TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 208DEG 14KT 3711 7946
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
346 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ033-044-212015-
Franklin VA-Pittsylvania VA-
346 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND
EAST CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM EDT...
At 346 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Penhook, moving northeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Penhook...
Union Hall...
North Shore...
Southern Smith Mountain Lake...
Ajax...
and Westlake Corner.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
If on or near Smith Mountain Lake, get out of the water and move
indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to
10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you
are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter
now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.
&&
LAT...LON 3695 7978 3714 7967 3713 7965 3710 7964
3709 7961 3708 7962 3706 7959 3704 7960
3703 7956 3705 7954 3702 7949 3704 7948
3703 7946 3702 7947 3703 7948 3701 7949
3688 7964
TIME...MOT...LOC 1946Z 209DEG 7KT 3699 7964
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
432 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
NCZ003-004-VAZ032-212100-
Stokes NC-Surry NC-Patrick VA-
432 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN SURRY...WESTERN
STOKES...AND SOUTH CENTRAL PATRICK COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM EDT...
At 431 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Pilot Mountain, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Pilot Mountain...
Francisco...
Sandy Ridge...
Woodville...
Pinnacle...
Collinstown...
and Hanging Rock State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
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 3630 8037 3637 8055 3667 8042 3653 8007
TIME...MOT...LOC 2031Z 213DEG 19KT 3640 8043
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
452 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0415 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Huddleston 37.17N 79.48W
05/21/2026 Bedford VA 911 Call Center
One tree down on the 16000 block of Wyatts
Way.
&&
SHHPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
454 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0355 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 S Forest 37.34N 79.28W
05/21/2026 Bedford VA 911 Call Center
One tree down near the 2600 block of Thomas
Jefferson Road.
&&
SHHThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 151 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:54 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
One large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds onto a powerline.
Lightning struck a church steeple, setting it on fire.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, May 2026
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: 1332008, 1332007.