An incoming cold front from the northwest interacted with moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur lifting northeast from the Gulf coast on the 18th of June. This lead to widespread showers across much of the forecast area, but especially so over our Virginia counties, resulting in a few flooding reports.
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 MRX wrote it up.
An incoming cold front from the northwest interacted with moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur lifting northeast from the Gulf coast on the 18th of June. This lead to widespread showers across much of the forecast area, but especially so over our Virginia counties, resulting in a few flooding reports. An isolated severe storm embedded in a line led to isolated wind damage.
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 Morristown, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 18, 1:44 PM EST, 16 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Morristown TN
244 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...New DISCUSSION...
.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 243 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
- A few strong to severe storms and isolated flooding possible
through this evening. Flood Watch in place across southwest VA
and portions of northeast TN through 2 AM Friday. A low-end
tornado risk in place north of I-40.
- Breezy conditions continue through this evening with valley gusts
up to 30 mph. Wind gusts over the higher terrain could gust up to
around 40 mph.
- Drier weather returns later tomorrow through Saturday before more
rain chances Sunday into the middle of next week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 243 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
Main concern through this evening will be the potential for a few
strong to severe storms, along with isolated flooding. Showers and
storms are currently ongoing along and ahead of a cold front that is
drifting south out of KY. The showers and storms associated/close to
the cold front will pose an isolated flooding risk as storms train
west to east. Areas along the TN/KY state line, northeast TN, and
southwest VA have the highest chances to see isolated flooding
through this evening. Flood Watch has been issued for southwest VA
and portions of northeast TN through 2 AM Friday.
Additionally, the aforementioned areas also have a low-end tornado
risk due to the combination of shear and instability. We have
already noted some weak and broad rotation in a cluster of storms
that moved through northeast TN and southwest VA earlier this
afternoon. While instability and shear are supportive of a tornado
environment, mid level lapse rates are quite poor. This will
hopefully help to deter any robust updrafts which will help to limit
our tornado threat. Weak and broad rotation will likely be seen in
additional storms through this evening. We will keep a close eye on
the radar through the remainder of the day.
Otherwise, a few strong to severe storms are possible across the
rest of the area through this evening. The main threats will be
heavy rain and isolated damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
The remnants of Arthur will mostly skirt just south of us, exiting
into the Carolinas late tonight. Orographically induced showers may
persist over the Southern Appalachians into the early morning hours
tomorrow, while the rest of the area dries out. Lower humidity and
somewhat lower high temperatures can be expected tomorrow afternoon.
High pressure building in from the Midwest will filter in with
northwesterly flow into Saturday. Even lower humidity values
Saturday even though temperatures rebound some.
High pressure will lose its influence over the area Sunday and into
next week as another frontal system develops under a shortwave
barreling in from the Midwest region. A second shortwave possibly
following it. A front forecast to arc along the Gulf coast towards
the middle of next week, will keep the unsettled weather around.
High temperatures could be impacted next week under troughiness and
daily chances of precipitation.
&&
.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 128 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
VFR conditions this afternoon and early evening with continued
breezy winds. Brief MVFR conditions if any showers and storms
pass over a terminal. Fog is likely tonight with MVFR ceilings
and visibilities. IFR isn't out of the question but not confident
enough to include in TAFS. Back to VFR late in the period.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Chattanooga Airport, TN 70 86 64 86 / 80 10 0 10
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport, TN 69 84 62 85 / 80 20 0 0
Oak Ridge, TN 68 84 60 85 / 70 10 0 0
Tri Cities Airport, TN 66 82 57 83 / 90 30 0 0
&&
.MRX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...NONE.
TN...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for Hancock-Hawkins-Johnson-
Northwest Carter-Sullivan.
VA...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for Lee-Russell-Scott VA-
Washington VA-Wise.
&&
DISCUSSION...99
AVIATION...99Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Morristown TN 247 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026 NCZ060-061-TNZ012>018-035>047-067>074-081>087-098>102-VAZ001-002- 005-006-008-191900- Cherokee-Clay-Scott TN-Campbell-Claiborne-Hancock-Hawkins- Sullivan-Johnson-Morgan-Anderson-Union-Grainger-Hamblen- Northwest Cocke-Cocke Smoky Mountains-Northwest Greene- Southeast Greene-Washington TN-Unicoi-Northwest Carter- Southeast Carter-Roane-Loudon-Knox-Jefferson-Northwest Blount- Blount Smoky Mountains-North Sevier-Sevier Smoky Mountains- Sequatchie-Bledsoe-Rhea-Meigs-McMinn-Northwest Monroe- Southeast Monroe-Marion-Hamilton-Bradley-West Polk-East Polk-Lee- Wise-Scott VA-Russell-Washington VA- 247 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026 /147 PM CDT Thu Jun 18 2026/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest North Carolina...east Tennessee and southwest Virginia. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight A few strong to severe storms, along with isolated flooding are possible through this evening. Damaging wind gusts are the main concern with any stronger storm but a low-end tornado threat also exists north of I-40. The flood potential is greatest across northeast TN and southwest VA, where a Flood Watch is in place through 2 AM Friday. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports for any severe weather occurring today are appreciated.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
1220 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
TNZ081-082-098-099-181700-
Sequatchie TN-Bledsoe TN-Marion TN-Hamilton TN-
1220 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SEQUATCHIE...SOUTHWESTERN
BLEDSOE...MARION AND SOUTHERN HAMILTON COUNTIES THROUGH 100 PM
EDT/NOON CDT/...
At 1219 PM EDT/1119 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Tracy City to 6
miles north of Trenton. Movement was east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Chattanooga, Dunlap, Jasper, Soddy-Daisy, Signal Mountain, South
Pittsburg, Walden, Lakesite, Whitwell, and Kimball.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3499 8568 3522 8578 3522 8574 3524 8569
3529 8571 3532 8556 3534 8554 3536 8551
3541 8549 3541 8551 3542 8551 3543 8554
3549 8554 3553 8560 3554 8556 3555 8546
3559 8540 3499 8498
TIME...MOT...LOC 1619Z 255DEG 34KT 3529 8573 3496 8551
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
1242 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
TNZ018-VAZ008-181715-
Johnson TN-Washington VA-
1242 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN JOHNSON AND
SOUTHEASTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES THROUGH 115 PM EDT...
At 1241 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 7 miles southeast of Abingdon, moving northeast at 35
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Abingdon, Glade Spring, Damascus, Laurel Bloomery, Konnarock, and
Emory-Meadowview.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3662 8161 3661 8165 3659 8168 3657 8168
3653 8171 3652 8170 3649 8186 3658 8190
3659 8188 3660 8187 3661 8183 3662 8191
3678 8198 3683 8174 3681 8172 3677 8169
3664 8162 3664 8161
TIME...MOT...LOC 1641Z 247DEG 49KT 3666 8185
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
1258 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
TNZ015>017-044-VAZ005-181745-
Sullivan TN-Washington TN-Hancock TN-Hawkins TN-Scott VA-
1258 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN SULLIVAN...HAWKINS...
NORTHWESTERN WASHINGTON...NORTHEASTERN HANCOCK AND SOUTH CENTRAL
SCOTT COUNTIES THROUGH 145 PM EDT...
At 1257 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Rogersville, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Kingsport, Rogersville, Gate City, Surgoinsville, Weber City,
Colonial Heights, Spurgeon, Church Hill, Mount Carmel, and
Clinchport.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3647 8236 3641 8263 3642 8263 3641 8270
3640 8273 3638 8275 3638 8277 3639 8278
3637 8279 3637 8284 3636 8285 3633 8299
3650 8309 3678 8255
TIME...MOT...LOC 1657Z 244DEG 39KT 3646 8296
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
138 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
VAZ002-005-006-181830-
Scott VA-Wise VA-Russell VA-
138 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN RUSSELL...
NORTHEASTERN SCOTT AND SOUTHEASTERN WISE COUNTIES AND THE SOUTHERN
CITY OF NORTON THROUGH 230 PM EDT...
At 137 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 7 miles southeast of Big Stone Gap, or 7 miles south of
Norton, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Norton, Coeburn, St. Paul, Dungannon, Fort Blackmore, and Castlewood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3698 8240 3698 8237 3696 8236 3698 8231
3680 8222 3673 8271 3686 8276 3702 8246
TIME...MOT...LOC 1737Z 252DEG 23KT 3682 8265
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
147 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
TNZ016-017-044-VAZ005-008-181830-
Sullivan TN-Washington TN-Hawkins TN-Washington VA-Scott VA-
147 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SULLIVAN...EASTERN HAWKINS...
NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON...SOUTHEASTERN SCOTT AND SOUTHWESTERN
WASHINGTON COUNTIES AND THE SOUTHWESTERN CITY OF BRISTOL THROUGH 230
PM EDT...
At 147 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Kingsport, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Kingsport, Bristol Tn, Bristol Va, Walnut Hill, Spurgeon, Colonial
Heights, Gray, Oak Grove, Church Hill, and Mount Carmel.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3646 8213 3641 8263 3654 8268 3674 8226
TIME...MOT...LOC 1747Z 251DEG 23KT 3651 8256
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Morristown TN
216 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
VAZ001-002-005-181900-
Scott VA-Wise VA-Lee VA-
216 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EASTERN LEE...NORTHWESTERN SCOTT
AND WISE COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF NORTON THROUGH 300 PM EDT...
At 216 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Martins Fork Lake, or near Harlan, moving east at
30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Norton, Wise, Jonesville, Big Stone Gap, Pennington Gap, Appalachia,
St. Charles, Duffield, Dryden, and Pardee.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3709 8254 3678 8247 3665 8320 3673 8322
3675 8313 3678 8313 3680 8310 3683 8310
3685 8307 3685 8301 3689 8288 3693 8286
3697 8287 3699 8283 3701 8283 3701 8278
3703 8276
TIME...MOT...LOC 1816Z 260DEG 27KT 3675 8329
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
19The Knoxville radar (KMRX), 113 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:59 UTC.
2 flash flood, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Several trees were blown down by severe thunderstorm winds between Dungannon and Nickelsville.
One structure in the Coeburn area was evacuated due to flooding.
Several roads were closed in the Appalachia and Big Stone Gap area due to flooding.
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, June 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: 1350419, 1341371, 1341372.