An approaching cold front, supported by an upper-level shortwave trough, triggered widely scattered thunderstorms. Decreasing cloud cover during late afternoon allowed instability to increase, with CAPE values in Blacksburg, VA reaching as high as 3,000 J/Kg per the 30/00z upper air sounding.
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.
An approaching cold front, supported by an upper-level shortwave trough, triggered widely scattered thunderstorms. Decreasing cloud cover during late afternoon allowed instability to increase, with CAPE values in Blacksburg, VA reaching as high as 3,000 J/Kg per the 30/00z upper air sounding. Lapse rates were observed near 7 C/km, while 0-1km shear was observed at around 40 knots. Storms developed along the Blue Ridge and pushed east into the Piedmont, increasing in intensity across the southern Piedmont. Storms then congealed into a broken line that tracked southeast. Although no hail was reported, there were several reports of trees blown down by thunderstorm winds.
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 Apr 29, 7:12 PM EST, 1 hour 23 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 812 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Aviation forecast has been updated. Chances of showers and thunderstorms should diminish in the next couple hours. Wind gusts for Thursday were increased. && .KEY MESSAGES... 1) The severe weather threat will diminish in the next couple hours as a cold front arrives to bring gusty winds on Thursday. 2) Another opportunity for rain exists Friday night into early Saturday, but rainfall amounts will be light. Colder air should bring the potential for frost/freeze by Sunday morning. && .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGE 1: The severe weather threat will diminish in the next couple hours as a cold front arrives to bring gusty northwest winds on Thursday. Shower and thunderstorm activity should wane in the next couple hours as a cold front crosses the Appalachian Mountains. The wind behind the frontal passage should swing towards the northwest and increase on Thursday with gusts up to 30 mph. These gusts were increased in this forecast update based on the latest model trends. Instability continues to be weak this evening due to significant cloud cover, which has caused the severe weather threat to not materialize so far. With the loss of daytime heating, this threat should vanish by 10 PM EDT. Rainfall amounts were decent with some locations reaching 0.50 to 0.75 inches, but the overall coverage was rather spotty and not sufficient to put a huge dent in the ongoing drought conditions where deficits still sit about 3 to 4 inches below normal since March 2026 and a staggering 6 to 12 inches below normal since September 2025. KEY MESSAGE 2: Another opportunity for rain exists Friday night into early Saturday, but rainfall amounts will be light. Colder air should bring the potential for frost/freeze by Sunday morning. A low pressure system will work its way towards the Carolinas by the end of this week, which will bring the next opportunity for rain to the area. An upper level trough will dig southward over the eastern United States, which will accomplish two main things for the local area. One, it will serve to limit the northward extent of the precipitation coming late Friday night into Saturday morning to mainly south of the VA/NC state line. Precipitation amounts will be light. Two, it will also allow colder air to filter into the area. Surface high pressure will expand east behind the system on Saturday and cover most of the southeastern United States by Sunday. With some moisture in the region and subsidence keeping winds light and skies clearer, there is increased potential for frost development by Sunday morning as temperatures will fall near freezing in the mountains. With widespread green-up still underway after recent warmth and rainfall, folks with agricultural interests should continue to monitor for any frost/freeze headlines this weekend. && .AVIATION /00Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Convection should wane in the next couple hours as a cold front crosses the Appalachian Mountains. The flow should swing around towards the northwest after the frontal passage tonight into Thursday. Meanwhile, ceilings should fall to MVFR with some potential for fog development along the river valleys due to recent rainfall. Fog will overall remain patchy as there may be some breeze and mid-level clouds overnight, but the highest confidence for fog exists at BCB, BLF, and LWB. By Thursday, ceilings should improve to VFR, but the wind should increase with gusts of 20 to 25 knots from the northwest. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... Weak high pressure should bring lighter winds and VFR conditions for Thursday night into Friday morning. However, a passing upper level trough to the north and a surface low pressure to the south should provide the next chance of showers and possible MVFR ceilings during late Friday into Saturday. Rain coverage is only expected to be scattered at most. Northwest winds may become breezy by late Saturday, but high pressure should provide lighter winds, cooler air, and VFR conditions for Saturday night into Sunday. The flow should turn towards the southwest and become breezy on Monday as another low pressure system passes to the north to bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms along and west of the Blue Ridge. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && DISCUSSION...AS/PW AVIATION...PW
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 209 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026 NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059- WVZ042>044-507-508-301815- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-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-Mercer-Summers-Monroe- Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier- 209 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The primary threats are damaging winds and hail, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
601 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
VAZ011-018-WVZ044-292230-
Giles VA-Craig VA-Monroe WV-
601 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN GILES...WESTERN
CRAIG AND CENTRAL MONROE COUNTIES THROUGH 630 PM EDT...
At 600 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Zenith, or near Union, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Union...
Paint Bank...
Laurel Branch...
Raines Corner...
Zenith...
Hollywood...
and Kire.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3763 8023 3735 8034 3736 8035 3749 8069
3761 8067
TIME...MOT...LOC 2200Z 280DEG 38KT 3751 8057
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
603 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
VAZ019-020-024-292245-
Bath VA-Rockbridge VA-Alleghany VA-
603 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN
ALLEGHANY...CENTRAL ROCKBRIDGE AND SOUTH CENTRAL BATH COUNTIES IN
WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA...THE CITY OF BUENA VISTA AND THE CITY OF
LEXINGTON THROUGH 645 PM EDT...
At 602 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Douthat State Park, or near Clifton Forge, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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...
Lexington...
Buena Vista...
Collierstown...
Rockbridge Baths...
Nimrod Hall...
Cornwall...
and Douthat State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3792 7920 3769 7932 3766 7935 3785 7984
3797 7980
TIME...MOT...LOC 2202Z 283DEG 31KT 3790 7975
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
638 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
VAZ023-292315-
Botetourt VA-
638 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL BOTETOURT COUNTY
THROUGH 715 PM EDT...
At 637 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Oriskany, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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...
Buchanan...
Eagle Rock...
Oriskany...
Fincastle...
Arcadia...
Springwood...
and Lithia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3764 7964 3760 7959 3745 7963 3748 7965
3748 7968 3744 7974 3752 7999 3755 7997
3761 8002 3764 8003 3768 7995
TIME...MOT...LOC 2237Z 281DEG 40KT 3760 7993
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
723 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
VAZ033-300000-
Franklin VA-
723 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY THROUGH
800 PM EDT...
At 723 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Callaway, or near Copper Hill, moving east at 55 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...
Rocky Mount...
Penhook...
Sydnorsville...
Ferrum...
Snow Creek...
Union Hall...
and Callaway.
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 3695 8018 3696 8017 3695 8014 3698 8014
3699 8012 3700 8014 3701 8012 3703 8010
3706 8012 3707 8011 3712 8012 3701 7960
3686 7964 3684 7966 3682 7973 3679 7975
TIME...MOT...LOC 2323Z 289DEG 47KT 3702 8007
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
847 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
NCZ005-300115-
Rockingham NC-
847 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT ROCKINGHAM COUNTY THROUGH 915
PM EDT...
At 847 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Mayodan, moving southeast at 35 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...
Reidsville...
Wentworth...
Mayodan...
Madison...
Stoneville...
Intelligence...
and Harrisons Crossroads.
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 3625 7980 3638 8003 3653 8003 3642 7952
3624 7963
TIME...MOT...LOC 0047Z 296DEG 29KT 3646 7997
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
848 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0640 PM Landslide 3 NNE Hinton 37.70N 80.89W
04/29/2026 Summers WV Emergency Mngr
Reported on social media along with a
picture.
&&
SHHThe Raleigh/Durham radar (KRAX), 111 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:35 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds blew down about 8 trees near intersection of Alton Post Office Road and Dawson Trail.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, April 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: 1322577.