Damaging Winds in Virginia, June 22, 2026

Name: Damaging Winds in Virginia, June 22, 2026
Start: 2026-06-22T14:47
End: 2026-06-22T17:22
Location: Virginia

June 22, 2026 · NWS LWX · 12 events in 8 counties and zones

Lines of thunderstorms developing well out ahead of a cold front in a hot and unstable environment resulted in scattered instances of damaging wind gusts. A few destructive wind gusts were noted in north-central Virginia.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $1.2 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 12

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS LWX wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

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 Baltimore/Washington wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 22, 2:04 PM EST, 43 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

1) Strong to severe thunderstorms along with locally heavy rainfall possible this afternoon into early this evening.
2) A strong cold front brings back rain and thunderstorm chances for this upcoming weekend.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 22, 2:04 PM EST, 43 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
304 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 375 was issued and remains in
effect until 9PM for the entire forecast area with the exception
of Garrett County, Maryland.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) Strong to severe thunderstorms along with locally heavy
 rainfall possible this afternoon into early this evening.

- 2) A strong cold front brings back rain and thunderstorm
  chances for this upcoming weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGE 1...Strong to severe thunderstorms along with
locally heavy rainfall possible this afternoon into early this
evening.

A strong low pressure system is forecast to track just north of
the forecast area through this evening with the associated warm
front already lifted north through the area. Showers and
thunderstorms are currently tracking eastward from the
Alleghenies towards the metros with strong to severe
thunderstorms forecast for this evening. In the wake of the
warm front, there is plenty of instability which combined with
strong flow aloft yields conditions favorable for scattered
strong to severe thunderstorms. Primary hazard is damaging wind
gusts with storms capable of producing 60mph wind gusts.
Additionally, a brief tornado is possible mainly NE of DC.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number remains in effect until 9PM for
the entire area with the exception of Garrett County where the
warm front had not lifted through yet.

In addition to the severe thunderstorm threat, any storms will
be efficient rainfall producers are PWATs near 2". Storm motion
is expected to be progressive enough to limit widespread
flooding concern, although sensitive areas with poor drainage
and/or urban areas may experience flash flooding.

Showers and thunderstorms continue moving east across the area
through this evening with convection dwindling around 9PM. Rain
showers continue through midnight with low clouds and fog
expected overnight. The cold front associated with the
aforementioned low pressure system pushes across the forecast
area early Tuesday morning with a surface low forecast to
develop along the front overnight. This will yield rain showers
and a few thunderstorms on Tuesday. Conditions dry out in the
afternoon as high pressure builds over the region through
Wednesday.

KEY MESSAGE 2...A strong cold front brings back rain and
thunderstorm chances for this upcoming weekend.

A strong upper-level trough forms over the Upper Midwest before
transitioning over the Great Lakes later this Wednesday through
Friday, with a stemming cold front tracking through the Mid-Atlantic
by the start of the weekend. Southeast winds help to provide
moisture as this front moves through, increasing humidity as
well as chances for showers and thunderstorms late in the week.

Exact timing of the front remains uncertain at this time,
with current ensembles showing a range of possible times
through the weekend where storms could form along the front.
Damaging wind gusts remain the primary hazard with any storms,
but additional impacts remain uncertain at this time. Otherwise,
expect conditions to remain hot & humid before and after the
frontal boundary moves through, with temperatures nominally
decreasing after the front passes but quickly increasing to
mid-90s with dewpoints approaching 70 by next Monday. Upper
level ridging moves into the region early next week, reducing
rain chances.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Flight restrictions are expected across all terminals through
this evening as showers and thunderstorms track across the
forecast area. Southerly winds gust up to 25 knots this
afternoon outside of storms. Within storms, damaging wind gusts
and heavy rain are expected within the stronger storms, leading
to reduced visibility and ceilings. After the main line of
storms move through this evening, rain showers continue with
prevailing low ceilings and reduced visibilities expected after
midnight.

Rain showers return early tomorrow morning with IFR to MVFR
ceilings and visibilities expected. Conditions return to VFR
Tuesday afternoon and remain VFR through Wednesday as surface
high pressure builds over the forecast area.

A strong cold front bringing showers and thunderstorms could bring
reduced conditions across the area on Friday and Saturday. Winds
flow out of the southwest on Friday before shifting northwesterly by
Saturday night. Conditions gradually improve by Sunday as the front
transitions offshore.

&&

.MARINE...
SMWs are likely across the waters this afternoon and into the
evening as strong to severe storms track across the waters.
Outside of storms, SCA criteria winds continue through this
evening. Winds diminish overnight with additional SCAs in effect
for Tuesday afternoon. High pressure builds overhead on
Wednesday with winds forecast to stay below Small Craft Advisory
criteria.

Winds diminish below SCA thresholds by late Friday morning and
remain so through the weekend. Southerly winds shift westerly late
Saturday evening, with showers and thunderstorms possible over the
waters Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening.

&&

.LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
DC...None.
MD...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for MDZ008.
     Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM to 6 PM EDT Tuesday for MDZ008.
VA...None.
WV...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for ANZ530-
     537-538-542.
     Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM to 6 PM EDT Tuesday for
     ANZ530>534-537>541-543.
     Small Craft Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ531>534-
     539>541-543.
     Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM EDT this evening for ANZ535-
     536.

&&

DISCUSSION...AVS/SRT
AVIATION...AVS/SRT
MARINE...AVS/SRT

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 22, 1:13 PM EST, 1 hour 34 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
213 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

ANZ530>543-DCZ001-MDZ008-011-013-014-016>018-504-506-508-
VAZ053>057-527-231815-
Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Pooles Island to Sandy Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to North Beach MD-
Chesapeake Bay from North Beach to Drum Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA-
Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head MD-
Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD-
Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA-
Patapsco River including Baltimore Harbor-
Chester River to Queenstown MD-Eastern Bay-
Choptank River to Cambridge MD and the Little Choptank River-
Patuxent River to Broomes Island MD-
Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth
Island-District of Columbia-Cecil-Southern Baltimore-
Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Central and Southeast Howard-
Southeast Harford-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-
Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
213 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Maryland portion of the
Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through
central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 375 is in effect until 9PM for
the entire area.

Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging
winds and isolated tornadoes are possible this afternoon and
evening. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are possible, which
could lead to scattered instances of urban and poor drainage
flooding in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed today.

MDZ003>006-503-505-507-VAZ025>031-036>040-050-051-501-502-505>508-
526-WVZ050>053-055-231815-
Washington-Frederick-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-Augusta-
Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-
Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Northern Fauquier-
Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Northwest Prince William-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-
Hardy-
213 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of eastern West
Virginia, northern and central Virginia, and central and western
Maryland.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 375 is in effect until 9PM for
the entire area.

Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging
winds and isolated tornadoes are possible this afternoon and
evening. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are possible, which
could lead to scattered instances of urban and poor drainage
flooding along and north of the Interstate 66 corridor.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed today.

MDZ501-502-509-510-VAZ503-504-WVZ501>506-231815-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Western Garrett-Eastern Garrett-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-
Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
213 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Allegheny Front
counties in western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Highland
County Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 375 is in effect until 9PM for
the entire area with the exception of Garrett County, MD.

Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging
winds and isolated tornadoes are possible today. Multiple rounds
of thunderstorms are possible, which could lead to a few
instances of poor drainage flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed today.

The radar

The Sterling radar (KLWX), 100 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:45 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

12 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Page

When: June 22, 2:47 PM EST to 2:51 PM EST
Where: Page County, 1.13 mi W of Leaksville to 0.43 mi SE of Stony Man
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.630, -78.551

A severe thunderstorm on the afternoon of Monday, June 22nd|produced a downburst of damaging wind that created a path of|damage nearly seven miles long through central Page County|Virginia, about 2 miles south of Luray.

Along that path that passed through the towns of Leaksville and|Stony Man, there were many trees snapped and uprooted. In addition, |outbuilding, shed, siding and shingle damage was evident.

Peak winds of 85 mph were estimated around Mill Creek Rd, Rodeo|Drive, and Mt. Zion Road between E Branch Rd and Redman Store Rd|where there was substantial structural damage. A home roof was|partially lifted on Rodeo Dr. There was also roof damage to two|homes on Mt. Zion Drive, where about half of the windward side of|each roof was lifted off. The same was true for chicken houses on|the property where substantial portions of the tin roofs were|lifted off and thrown downwind, or bent. Large hay bales were|rolled tens of yards. Damage was noted to be unidirectional with|storm movement, generally thrown to east.

Severe thunderstorms can produce wind gusts equal to EF0 and EF1|tornadoes.

The National Weather Service would like to thanks Page County|Department of Emergency Management and the local broadcast|meteorologists for their assistance with information and damage|reports.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rappahannock

When: June 22, 3:19 PM EST
Where: Rappahannock County, 1.76 mi WSW of Five Forks
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.640, -78.200

Trees blew down Sperryville Pike.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rockingham

When: June 22, 3:20 PM EST
Where: Rockingham County, 1.76 mi WSW of Rutherford
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 38.420, -78.860

Trees blew down at Foley Road and Ridgeville Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fairfax

When: June 22, 4:09 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Fairfax County, 0.22 mi E of Sideburn to 0.51 mi WNW of Burke
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.800, -77.296

A severe thunderstorm produced a strong downburst one mile|northwest of Burke VA with peak winds estimated 90 MPH. While|other minor scattered tree damage was noted outside of the|microburst in the general area, the microburst affected the|communities around Lake Royal. Significant concentrated damage|began along Zion Road between the cross streets of Guinea Drive|and Hillard Lake Road. Tree damage continued along Bridgewood|Drive and Falmead Road before reaching Lake Royal. Through this|area, many, though not all, of the trees were snapped midway,|uprooted, or had large branches snapped off. Trees fell onto cars,|powerlines, roads, and homes with substantial damage. Damage was|unidirectionally pushed to the east northeast in the direction of|storm movement.

As the microburst crossed Lake Royal, the lack of trees and|roughness allowed the winds to accelerate and then blast the|townhomes on the east shore. Several townhomes on that row facing|the lake had significant portions of their roofs lifted off. Winds|were estimated to have peaked at 90 MPH.

On the south side of the lake along Guinea Drive, trees were|snapped onto the road and powerlines. A business park building was|noted to have some damage due to the roof being slightly lifted|temporarily.

Significant tree damage continued to the community on the east|side of Lake Royal with similar tree damage along Lakepoint Drive|west of Guinea Road. Trees and branches were again snapped onto|cars and homes, and townhome fences were pushed down on many|properties. East of Guinea Road, winds lessened and tree damage|became isolated. One further point of note was Burke Road near|Peppercorn Drive where a few trees were downed, one onto a bus|stand and street light.

Throughout the survey, damage was pushed to the northeast in the|direction of storm movement. NWS Doppler Weather Radar KLWX in|Sterling, VA, as well as FAA Terminal Doppler Radars from TDCA|and TADW, displayed thunderstorm downburst signatures at the Burke|location at the time, with no evidence of rotation indicating the|storm being tornadic. Severe straight line thunderstorm downburst|wind gusts can sometimes produce damage equivalent to damage from|EF0 and EF1 tornadoes.

Severe thunderstorms can produce wind gusts equal to EF0 and EF1|tornadoes.

The National Weather Service would like to thanks Fairfax County|Department of Emergency Management and Security for their|assistance.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: June 22, 4:30 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 0.69 mi S of Rapidan
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.310, -78.070

Numerous trees blew down between Rapidan and Locust Grove.

Thunderstorm Wind, Culpeper

When: June 22, 4:32 PM EST
Where: Culpeper County, 1.76 mi WNW of Kellys Ford
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.490, -77.810

Numerous trees and powerlines blew down east of Culpeper to the Fauquier County line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: June 22, 4:37 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 0.88 mi NW of Aden
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.660, -77.540

Numerous trees and powerlines blew down in and around Aden.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stafford

When: June 22, 4:53 PM EST
Where: Stafford County, 3.04 mi WNW of Ruby
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.520, -77.570

Numerous trees blew down along Tacketts Mill Road, including one that fell onto a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: June 22, 4:56 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 1.08 mi W of Bethel
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.650, -77.340

Numerous trees and powerlines blew down in and around Dale City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fredericksburg (C)

When: June 22, 5:01 PM EST
Where: Fredericksburg (C) County, Fredericksburg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.300, -77.470

Trees blew down in the 500 block of Caroline Street, and in the 3300 block of Plank Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince William

When: June 22, 5:04 PM EST
Where: Prince William County, 0.88 mi SW of Woodbridge
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.640, -77.260

Numerous trees blew down in and around Woodbridge.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stafford

When: June 22, 5:22 PM EST
Where: Stafford County, 0.69 mi S of Widewater
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.460, -77.330

Dozens of trees blew down in the vicinity of Widewater.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Virginia, June 2026

Sources

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: 1336141, 1336142, 1336155, 1336143, 1336148, 1336151, 1336152, 1336150, 1336153, 1336157, 1336154, 1336149.