Multiple thunderstorms developed during the afternoon and evening of the May 27th across northwest North Carolina as a strong upper level disturbance passed across the lower Mid-Atlantic along a stationary front draped across the region. The storms developed in a moderately unstable environment, with surface temperatures observed in the low to mid 80s during the afternoon, while dewpoints were…
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The episode as NWS RNK wrote it up.
Multiple thunderstorms developed during the afternoon and evening of the May 27th across northwest North Carolina as a strong upper level disturbance passed across the lower Mid-Atlantic along a stationary front draped across the region. The storms developed in a moderately unstable environment, with surface temperatures observed in the low to mid 80s during the afternoon, while dewpoints were observed in the upper 60s to low 70s. This helped to drive MLCAPE values into the 1,500 to 2,000 J/kg range, with relatively steep low-level lapse rates. Area wind profilers also indicated westerly winds within the low levels of the atmosphere, with 30-35 kt of deep-layer shear supporting damaging wind gusts in the stronger thunderstorm activity.
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 27, 12:54 PM EST, 1 hour 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 154 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Severe thunderstorm watch #247 in effect until 9PM for WV/VA primarily east of I-77, all the way to the coast. && .KEY MESSAGES... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe storms possible this afternoon and evening with damaging wind gusts being the primary threat. KEY MESSAGE 2: There is a flash flood risk today. && .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe storms possible this afternoon and evening with damaging wind gusts being the primary threat. Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible across the forecast area with the main threat between 2PM-9PM. Strong to severe gusts capable of producing wind damage should be the primary hazard, but isolated hail may also occur. 30-40 kt of mid-level westerly flow will promote relatively fast moving storm cells this afternoon and evening. Upper short wave trough over the Ohio Valley along with east-west oriented front across the northern Mid-Atlantic will serve as a focus for organized storm development. In addition, expecting isolated to scattered storms to develop along the Blue Ridge... all activity moving east as we progress through the late afternoon and evening. Moderate instability (MLCAPE 1500 J/kg) is being forecast across the northern part of our CWA coupled with 30-40 kt of westerly deep-layer shear. This should support a mix of multicells and marginal supercell structures is anticipated along/south of the front, with scattered damaging winds the main severe risk. Some hail could also occur with the strongest cores. KEY MESSAGE 2: There is a flash flood risk today. Rain has been plentiful the last seven days. With precipitable water (PWAT) values AOA 1.50 any deep convection will be rain efficient promoting rain rates of 2-4". Organized storms will have the best chance to produce excessive rainfall, so be on the lookout for localized flash flooding. Given the relatively fast storm cell movement, expecting somewhat lower residence time of the heavy rain cores, so unless we have training cells, rainfall totals should generally be held under an inch. That said, high rain rates can still quickly translate into rapid runoff and localized flooding. && .AVIATION /18Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Thunderstorms are already beginning to form in southwest Virginia, but as the afternoon continues, they will become more organized and widespread. All TAF sites have the potential to experience a strong thunderstorm today. Thunderstorms will quiet down and taper off sometime before midnight for most of the area. Strong wind gusts can occur with little notice in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Additionally, some of these showers and storms could have high rain rates, temporarily reducing vsby from the relatively clear conditions we are seeing right now. Cigs will lower in the presence of any showers or storms, potentially dropping conditions into MVFR/IFR. Once the precipitation clears up tonight, cigs will lift again, leaving most of the area VFR or high end MVFR through Thursday morning. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... By Thursday, the stalled front pushes south of the area, with high pressure from the north moving in. While shower/storms may still be possible, they will be isolated and primarily limited to our southern locations, such as DAN. This will allow for mostly VFR flight conditions to return to the remainder of the terminals. VFR will be expected to continue, though fog remains possible during the overnight hours. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && DISCUSSION...PM AVIATION...RCS/VFJ
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 203 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026 VAZ011-013-014-017>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-WVZ042>044- 507-281815- Giles-Pulaski-Montgomery-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke- Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry- Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer- Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- 203 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 247 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. A Slight Risk of severe weather will be possible this afternoon and evening. Afternoon storms will be capable of producing isolated damaging wind gusts. A Marginal Risk of Excessive Rainfall is also forecast for today as repeated rounds of rain, some heavy at times, will continue due to an approaching cold front. After recent heavy rains, the flash flooding risk is more of a concern, especially where showers/storms train over the same areas. Storms will have the capability of producing rainfall rates of 3-4" per hour. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area. WVZ508-281815- Western Greenbrier- 203 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 247 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast West 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. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. A Slight Risk of Excessive Rainfall is forecast for today as repeated rounds of rain, some heavy at times, will continue due to an approaching cold front. After recent heavy rains, the flash flooding risk is more of a concern, especially where showers/storms train over the same areas. Storms will have the capability of producing rainfall rates of 3-4" per hour. A Slight Risk of severe weather will be possible this afternoon and evening. Afternoon storms will be capable of producing isolated damaging wind gusts. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area. NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009-010-012-015-016-281815- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Wythe-Grayson-Carroll- 203 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. A Marginal Risk of severe weather will be possible this afternoon and evening. Afternoon storms will be capable of producing isolated damaging wind gusts. A Marginal Risk of Excessive Rainfall is also forecast for today as repeated rounds of rain, some heavy at times, will continue due to an approaching cold front. After recent heavy rains, the flash flooding risk is more of a concern, especially where showers/storms train over the same areas. Storms will have the capability of producing rainfall rates of 3-4" per hour. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
321 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
NCZ019-271930-
Wilkes NC-
321 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
SOUTH CENTRAL WILKES COUNTY THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 321 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Windy Gap to near Boomer. Movement was
southeast 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...
Boomer...
Moravian Falls...
and Wilkesboro Reservoir.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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 3602 8134 3604 8137 3604 8140 3606 8139
3610 8135 3613 8105 3605 8100 3603 8107
3604 8114 3603 8117 3604 8120 3603 8127
3601 8129 3601 8134
TIME...MOT...LOC 1921Z 302DEG 8KT 3608 8107 3604 8132
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
323 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
NCZ005-VAZ043-271945-
Rockingham NC-Henry VA-
323 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
NORTHWESTERN ROCKINGHAM AND SOUTHEASTERN HENRY COUNTIES THROUGH 345
PM EDT...
At 323 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ridgeway, or near Stoneville, moving east at 25 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...
Eden...
Ridgeway...
Sandy Level...
and Price.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
south central, southwestern and west central Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3649 7994 3659 7992 3661 7970 3654 7971
3654 7969 3646 7974
TIME...MOT...LOC 1923Z 274DEG 21KT 3653 7985
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
VAZ044-271945-
Pittsylvania VA-
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
SOUTHEASTERN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 330 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Dry Fork, or near Blairs, moving east at 30 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...
Blairs...
Dry Fork...
and Keeling.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
south central, central and west central Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3671 7943 3678 7941 3676 7922 3669 7921
3664 7928
TIME...MOT...LOC 1930Z 286DEG 24KT 3673 7937
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
331 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
VAZ058-271945-
Halifax VA-
331 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
CENTRAL HALIFAX COUNTY THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 331 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Nathalie, moving east at 25 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...
Nathalie...
and Crystal Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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.
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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
central and south central Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3684 7905 3695 7901 3694 7883 3685 7881
3679 7892
TIME...MOT...LOC 1931Z 284DEG 24KT 3689 7899
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
333 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
NCZ019-271945-
Wilkes NC-
333 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
SOUTHEASTERN WILKES COUNTY THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 332 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Moravian Falls, or near Wilkesboro, moving east at 30 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...
Moravian Falls.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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 3602 8131 3611 8117 3610 8088 3606 8088
3606 8098 3603 8107 3604 8114 3603 8117
3603 8118 3604 8120 3603 8127 3601 8129
TIME...MOT...LOC 1932Z 284DEG 24KT 3606 8114
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
335 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
WVZ508-271945-
Western Greenbrier WV-
335 PM EDT Wed May 27 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
WEST CENTRAL GREENBRIER COUNTY THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 335 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Bingham, or near Rainelle, moving east at 30 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...
Rainelle...
Rupert...
Quinwood...
Bingham...
Anjean...
and Duo.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking 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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
southeastern West Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3809 8059 3798 8060 3791 8068 3797 8079
3799 8077 3799 8079 3801 8079 3802 8080
3803 8082 3804 8083 3806 8080 3807 8082
3809 8081 3808 8072 3809 8069
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 284DEG 24KT 3803 8078
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
DSThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 73 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:42 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds near the intersection of Park Road and Tolbert Street.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds on Perkinson Road near the Virginia state line.
Two trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds on Holland Road.
Two trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds on Park Springs Road.
Two trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds on North Carolina Highway 62 South.
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: 1331992, 1331993, 1331994, 1331995, 1331996.