Virginia, 2026

Damaging Winds in Virginia, March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026 · NWS AKQ · 44 events in 27 counties and zones

A strong area of low pressure occluded over the Great Lakes on March 16, pushing a strong cold front towards the region. A secondary surface low formed along the cold front across portions of western North Carolina during the afternoon of March 16 before tracking northeast into Virginia during the evening of March 16.

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
$198,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
44

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 AKQ wrote it up.

A strong area of low pressure occluded over the Great Lakes on March 16, pushing a strong cold front towards the region. A secondary surface low formed along the cold front across portions of western North Carolina during the afternoon of March 16 before tracking northeast into Virginia during the evening of March 16. Scattered showers and severe storms occurred ahead of and along the cold front with the strongest storms along the front.

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 Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 16, 6:55 AM EST, 5 hours earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Several rounds of strong to severe storms are expected across the region today. The greatest threat for severe storms will be from mid to late morning through the early evening hours. SPC has maintained the Moderate Risk(level 4/5) for western and central portions of the area with an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) in place for the rest of the area (except eastern portions of the Eastern Shore with a Slight Risk). 2) Cold and breezy Tuesday, with a hard freeze likely for most of the area Tuesday night/early Wed morning. It remains dry, with seasonable temperatures returning late in the week.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 16, 6:55 AM EST, 5 hours before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
755 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Updated Aviation discussion for 12z TAFs.

Potential for significant severe weather continues ahead of a
strong cold front today. The Storm Prediction Center has
maintained a Moderate Risk (level 4/5) with probabilities to 60%
for wind and 15% for tornadoes across much of the area.

Gale Warnings have been issued for all local waters except the upper
James River, York River, and Rappahannock River where strong Small
Craft Advisories continue.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Several rounds of strong to severe storms are expected across the
region today. The greatest threat for severe storms will be from mid
to late morning through the early evening hours. SPC has maintained
the Moderate Risk(level 4/5) for western and central portions of the
area with an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) in place for the rest of the
area (except eastern portions of the Eastern Shore with a Slight
Risk).

2) Cold and breezy Tuesday, with a hard freeze likely for most of
the area Tuesday night/early Wed morning. It remains dry, with
seasonable temperatures returning late in the week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
As of 350 AM EDT Monday...

KEY MESSAGE 1...Several rounds of strong to severe storms are
expected across the region today. The greatest threat for severe
storms will be from mid to late morning through the early evening
hours. SPC has maintained the Moderate Risk(level 4/5) for western
and central portions of the area with an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5)
in place for the rest of the area (except eastern portions of the
Eastern Shore with a Slight Risk).

Not many big changes to the larger scale environment with the latest
model guidance. A very strong mid and upper level trough over the
upper Midwest will translate slowly eastward today. A potent jet
streak is rounding the base of the larger scale trough which is
taking on a bit of a negative tilt in response. At the surface, low
pressure continues to strengthen over southern MI with a strong cold
front extending south into the Gulf. The surface warm front is
currently racing north through the local area with winds
transitioning from ESE to SSE behind the boundary. Strong moisture
advection is noted in the wake of the front with dew points surging
into the low and mid 60s. Coverage of showers and storms may slowly
increase prior to sunrise as instability advects northward. Not
expecting much of a severe threat through mid morning or so but a
few storms may be able to tap into the increasingly favorable
environment aloft and present a wind or tornado threat.

Convective coverage and intensity is expected to ramp up quickly by
mid to late morning as forcing for ascent spreads eastward. The
latest guidance suggests greater coverage of convection for this
late morning/early afternoon round of storms. These cells will have
the potential for strong winds and isolated tornadoes, especially if
storm mode is able to remain somewhat discrete. However, overnight
CAM guidance shows fairly widespread convection with potential for
storms to interfere with one another. Deep layer shear vectors will
also be from the SSW which will tend to promote more linear
convective modes and an associated damaging wind threat. That said,
the kinematics aloft will remain very supportive of updraft rotation
and an embedded strong tornado threat.

The expected widespread early convection brings a few question with
respect to the afternoon and early evening thermodynamic
environment. Widespread clouds/convection will limit surface heating
ahead of the main surface trough. Most guidance now shows SBCAPE in
the 500-1000 J/Kg range, which is sufficient for sustaining
organized convection but not quite as robust as it appeared it might
be 12-24 hours ago. The kinematic environment aloft will remain
extremely favorable through the afternoon and early evening as a 60-
80 kt SSW low level jet moves across the region. Forecast soundings
continue to show 50-60 kt of bulk shear with 40-50 kt of low level
shear and favorably curved low level hodographs. SPC has maintained
the Moderate Risk (level 4/5) and Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) areas as
well as the associated very robust wind and tornado probabilities.
Hi-res guidance shows several rounds of storms this afternoon as
forcing ahead of an embedded shortwave trough and right entrance
region of the strong upper jet overspreads the area. These storms
will have the potential for damaging winds and strong tornadoes,
though the tornado threat could be impacted somewhat by too many
storms with their associated outflow contaminating the low level
thermodynamic and kinematic fields. The main trough/surface cold
front should move in from the west by mid to late afternoon and be
in the vicinity of the I-95 corridor by early evening with a
continued strong wind and tornado threat. The front should exit
offshore between 10pm and midnight, bringing an end to the severe
threat across the region. This is a very potent severe weather setup
and users are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive warnings
and have a plan in place before storms threaten the region
today.

In addition to the severe threat, decent pressure falls ahead of the
front will allow for strong southerly flow to develop during the
day. Outside of convection, winds could gust to 30-40 mph, with the
Eastern Shore potentially seeing gusts as high as 40-45 mph. A Wind
Advisory continues for all of our Eastern Shore counties
starting early this afternoon through late evening.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Cold and breezy Tuesday, with a hard freeze likely
for most of the area Tuesday night/early Wed morning. It remains
dry, with seasonable temperatures returning late in the week.

Solid pressure rises are expected behind the front, which will keep
breezy conditions through Tuesday afternoon with gusts of 20-25 mph
possible. A very cold airmass will move in behind the front,
bringing temperatures down below normal on Tuesday and Wednesday,
with highs only reaching the 40s. Most of the area can expect a hard
freeze on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning as high pressure builds in
overhead and winds trend downwards. Lows will drop into the upper
20s to lower 30s, with the exception being the NC OBX, where
temperatures will be a little more modified by the surrounding
bodies of water. Temperatures will start to trend warmer by late
week, with generally dry conditions currently forecast through the
weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 745 AM EDT Monday...

Lingering IFR CIGs at SBY, but mainly MVFR to VFR CIGs at the
remainder of the TAF sites to start out the 12z/16 TAF period.
Scattered showers (isolated thunder) have developed in the
vicinity of RIC and to the SW, this activity will
continue/increase in coverage throughout the morning. Convective
coverage and intensity rapidly increases ~14-15z into this
afternoon (PROB30s have been used highlight the potential).
After 18z, multiple rounds of convection are expected from this
afternoon throughout this evening. Any storms will have the
potential to bring damaging wind gusts (potentially in excess of
60 knots), very heavy rainfall, and potentially a tornado. Went
with prevailing TSRA at all sites, though there will likely be
breaks during this period. Wind fields will continue to
strengthen this afternoon with gusts 25-40 kt even outside of
convection. The surface front will cross the terminals from west
to east this evening, bringing an end to the severe/convection
threat. Winds become westerly but remain gusty overnight.

Outlook: Dry/VFR conditions return Tue on breezy WNW winds,
remaining dry Wed-Thu with diminishing winds.

&&

.MARINE...
As of 350 AM EDT Monday...

Key Messages:

- A strong cold front approaches from the west today and crosses
  the coast this evening. Small Craft Advisory conditions
  continue this morning in advance of the front, with a period
  of gale conditions expected this afternoon and evening.

- There is an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms
  today across the most of the marine area today, with a
  moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) over the rivers of eastern
  Virginia. The main threat is strong to damaging wind gusts
  along with the potential for a few waterspouts ahead of and
  along the cold front.

986mb low pressure is centered over the Great Lakes this morning
with a strong cold front trailing to the S across the Ohio Valley
and Mid-South. Deep southerly flow and a modestly strong pressure
gradient are in place across the Mid-Atlantic coast well ahead of
the cold front. The wind is S 15-20kt with gusts to 25kt. Seas are 5-
8ft, with 2-3ft waves in the Ches. Bay and locally higher at the
mouth of the Bay.

Low pressure deepens and lifts NE through the Great Lakes today with
the cold front approaching from the W, which then crosses the Mid-
Atlantic coast later this evening into the early overnight hours.
Modestly strong pressure falls, a tight pressure gradient, and a 65-
80 kt LLJ favor a 3-6hr period of southerly gales, primarily for the
northern coastal waters, but a ~3hr period of gale conditions is
also likely for the southern coastal waters, Ches. Bay, lower James,
and Currituck Sound late this aftn and evening. Occasional gusts to
35kt are also possible over the upper rivers, but periodic
showers/tstms through the day are likely to disrupt the synoptic
flow for the marine zones farther inland. Stable low-level lapse
rates with a mild and moist airmass overspreading cold ocean water
will be a limiting factor initially until the stronger forcing
arrives later this afternoon. Local wind probs depict the 70-100%
probs of 34kt gusts over most of the marine area with the exception
of the upper rivers, and even a 30-50% chc of 43kt gusts N of
Parramore Is. Sharp pressure rises of 10-12mb/3hr will result in
strong WNW wind gusts along and immediately behind the cold front,
which will also be enhanced by convection. Seas build to 7-9ft S to
9-13ft N, with waves in the Ches. Bay of 3-5ft, and 5-7ft at the
mouth of the Bay. SCAs remain in effect through late morning/early
afternoon, with Gale Warnings going into effect late morning through
the afternoon and continuing through 1 AM. The Currituck Sound has
been added to the Gale Warning. In addition to the wind today,
strong to severe tstms are possible and will be capable of producing
strong to damaging wind gusts along with waterspouts.

Remaining breezy Tuesday, with a secondary surge possible for the
Ches. Bay and coastal waters Tuesday night. This may allow for SCA
conditions to continue, or resume for the Ches. Bay. Meanwhile, seas
will be slow to subside Tuesday into Tuesday night. Otherwise, more
benign marine conditions are expected by mid to late this week as
high pressure settles across the region.

&&

.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Wind Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EDT Tuesday for
     MDZ021>025.
NC...Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight EDT tonight
     for NCZ015>017-032-102.
VA...Wind Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EDT Tuesday for
     VAZ099-100.
     Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight EDT tonight
     for VAZ095-097-098.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 1 PM EDT this afternoon for
     ANZ630>632-634-638-656-658.
     Gale Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EDT Tuesday for
     ANZ630>632-634-638-656-658.
     Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for ANZ633.
     Gale Warning from 4 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EDT Tuesday for
     ANZ633.
     Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ635>637.
     Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EDT this morning for ANZ650-
     652-654.
     Gale Warning until 1 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ650-652-654.

&&

DISCUSSION...RHR
AVIATION...AJB
MARINE...AJZ
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 16, 9:53 AM EST, 2 hours 2 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

NCZ012>014-030-031-VAZ048-060>062-064>069-075>090-092-093-096-
509>525-171500-
Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Bertie-Chowan-Fluvanna-Prince Edward-
Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia-
Powhatan-Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland-Lancaster-Brunswick-
Dinwiddie-Prince George (including Hopewell and Petersburg)-
Charles City-New Kent-Gloucester-Middlesex-Mathews-Greensville-
Sussex-Surry-James City-Southampton-Isle of Wight-Suffolk-
Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover-Eastern Hanover-
Western Chesterfield-Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)-
Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico-
Western King William-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen-
Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-York-Newport News-
Hampton/Poquoson-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina,
central Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north
central Virginia, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

NCZ015>017-032-102-VAZ095-097-098-171500-
Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-
Norfolk/Portsmouth-Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina and
southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

MDZ021>025-VAZ099-100-171500-
Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-
Accomack-Northampton-
1053 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM
EDT TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, eastern
Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

A strong cold front will cross the region today into this evening,
bringing a significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the
potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, both ahead of the front
in the late morning through mid afternoon, and along the front late
in the afternoon or evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 16, 8:31 AM EST, 3 hours 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
931 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

NCZ012-VAZ080>083-087>089-092-512-514>516-161415-
Northampton NC-Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond) VA-
Surry VA-Dinwiddie VA-Southampton VA-Eastern Henrico VA-
Greensville VA-Eastern Hanover VA-Charles City VA-New Kent VA-
Prince George VA-Sussex VA-
Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights) VA-
931 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN NORTHAMPTON...
GREENSVILLE...SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHAMPTON...SUSSEX...EASTERN
DINWIDDIE...SOUTHEASTERN CHESTERFIELD...CHARLES CITY...PRINCE
GEORGE...NEW KENT...SOUTHEASTERN HENRICO AND WESTERN SURRY
COUNTIES...THE CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS...THE CITY OF HOPEWELL...THE
CITY OF PETERSBURG...THE CITY OF RICHMOND AND THE CITY OF EMPORIA
THROUGH 1015 AM EDT...

At 931 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Highland Springs to near Carson to near
Claresville. Movement was northeast at 60 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...
Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, New Kent, Colonial Heights, Roanoke
Rapids, Charles City, Emporia, Waverly, Garysburg, Wakefield,
Boykins, Claremont, Disputanta, Talleysville, Chester, Fort
Gregg-Adams, Virginia State University, Dahlia, and Purdy.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms 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 3626 7739 3632 7744 3631 7757 3641 7755
      3648 7765 3648 7776 3700 7755 3725 7761
      3750 7746 3755 7726 3763 7713 3756 7701
      3758 7696 3756 7696 3754 7697 3757 7692
      3756 7688 3757 7688 3757 7687 3696 7693
TIME...MOT...LOC 1331Z 211DEG 63KT 3754 7736 3705 7734 3664 7751

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Butner
Special weather statement, Mar 16, 11:17 AM EST, 38 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1217 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VAZ081>085-088>090-518-520-523-161700-
Charles City VA-New Kent VA-Prince George VA-Surry VA-Middlesex VA-
Sussex VA-Eastern King William VA-Eastern King and Queen VA-York VA-
Gloucester VA-James City VA-
1217 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN GLOUCESTER...
SOUTHWESTERN MIDDLESEX...SOUTHEASTERN KING AND QUEEN...CHARLES
CITY...NORTHEASTERN PRINCE GEORGE...NORTHWESTERN YORK...NEW KENT...
SOUTHEASTERN KING WILLIAM...NORTH CENTRAL SUSSEX...JAMES CITY AND
NORTHWESTERN SURRY COUNTIES THROUGH 100 PM EDT...

At 1216 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Charles City to Burrowsville to near
Disputanta. Movement was northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Charles City, Claremont, Ruthville, Burrowsville, Cabin Point, and
  Adkins Store around 1220 PM EDT.
  Holdcroft, Rustic, and Providence Forge around 1225 PM EDT.
  Toano and Barhamsville around 1235 PM EDT.
  West Point and Norge around 1240 PM EDT.
  Little Plymouth and Shacklefords around 1245 PM EDT.
  Glenns and Church View around 1250 PM EDT.
  Saluda around 1255 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by these storms include Eltham, Taylors
Corner, Chickahominy Shore, Croaker, Mountcastle, Harcum, Cash,
Cohoke, Dragonville, and Lanexa.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms 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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for eastern, south
central, southeastern and east central Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3763 7654 3749 7649 3727 7681 3701 7724
      3719 7720 3732 7723 3750 7706 3773 7679
TIME...MOT...LOC 1616Z 226DEG 45KT 3732 7711 3723 7708 3708 7718

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Wray

The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 125 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:57 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

44 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cumberland

When
March 16, 11:55 AM EST
Where
Cumberland County, 1.64 mi W of Cumberland
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.480, -78.280

A tree fell down and partially blocked the roadway at Shiloh and US-60.

Thunderstorm Wind, Virginia Beach (C)

When
March 16, 2:48 PM EST
Where
Virginia Beach (C) County, 1.3 mi WNW of Ocean Park
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.910, -76.120

A tree fell down near Lynnhaven Inlet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Southampton

When
March 16, 3:13 PM EST
Where
Southampton County, 2.07 mi N of Saddlers Xrds
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.930, -76.930

A tree and power line fell down on US-460 near Drews Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince Edward

When
March 16, 6:21 PM EST
Where
Prince Edward County, 3.02 mi NE of Farmville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.330, -78.530

A tree fell down near Prospect.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lunenburg

When
March 16, 6:27 PM EST
Where
Lunenburg County, 6.44 mi NNW of Pleasant Grove
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.080, -78.430

A couple of trees fell down on State Route 360 in northwestern Lunenburg County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince Edward

When
March 16, 6:31 PM EST
Where
Prince Edward County, 4.09 mi SSE of Farmville Muni Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.300, -78.390

Multiple trees fell down in Farmville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When
March 16, 6:33 PM EST
Where
Mecklenburg County, 0.69 mi N of Antlers
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.680, -78.320

A fallen tree blocked Highway 58 near the intersection of Landfill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cumberland

When
March 16, 6:45 PM EST
Where
Cumberland County, 5.18 mi ENE of Cumberland
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.520, -78.170

There were several reports of trees blocking roadways across Cumberland County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Brunswick

When
March 16, 6:47 PM EST
Where
Brunswick County, Brodnax
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.700, -78.030

Multiple trees and powerlines fell down across Brunswick County, particularly around Broadnax.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nottoway

When
March 16, 6:47 PM EST
Where
Nottoway County, 1.49 mi SSW of Crewe
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.150, -78.130

Multiple trees and powerlines were reported to have fallen across Nottoway County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nottoway

When
March 16, 6:48 PM EST
Where
Nottoway County, 1.77 mi NW of Crewe
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.190, -78.140

A roof was blown off of a business in Crewe. Additionally, broadcast media shared pictures from and individual claiming that five roofs were flown off with debris extending for around two blocks.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nottoway

When
March 16, 6:53 PM EST
Where
Nottoway County, 0.88 mi SW of Blackstone
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
37.070, -78.010

Cars were damaged by a fallen tree.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nottoway

When
March 16, 6:53 PM EST
Where
Nottoway County, Blackstone
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
37.080, -78.000

Roof damage was reported to Winn Furniture Warehouse.

Thunderstorm Wind, Amelia

When
March 16, 7:01 PM EST
Where
Amelia County, 0.69 mi N of Amelia
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.340, -77.980

There were several reports of trees blocking roadways throughout the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Louisa

When
March 16, 7:10 PM EST
Where
Louisa County, 5.32 mi WSW of Cuckoo
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.920, -77.990

Emergency management relayed that several trees fell down on Shannon Hill Road and in areas in and near Yanceyville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Powhatan

When
March 16, 7:10 PM EST
Where
Powhatan County, 2.82 mi N of Flat Rock
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$21,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.560, -77.840

A tree was blown down onto a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Powhatan

When
March 16, 7:12 PM EST
Where
Powhatan County, 1.38 mi N of Subletts
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.600, -77.770

Multiple trees fell down. Additionally, a steel heater was blown off of a back deck.

Thunderstorm Wind, Goochland

When
March 16, 7:13 PM EST
Where
Goochland County, Maidens
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.680, -77.870

Multiple trees fell down throughout Goochland County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chesterfield

When
March 16, 7:15 PM EST
Where
Chesterfield County, 0.88 mi SE of Skinquarter
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.390, -77.770

An NWS employee reported a blown transformer and a tree down across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dinwiddie

When
March 16, 7:15 PM EST
Where
Dinwiddie County, 2.65 mi NE of Hebron
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.180, -77.790

Trees fell down onto a power line along Wells Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Goochland

When
March 16, 7:15 PM EST
Where
Goochland County, 0.69 mi S of Goochland
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.670, -77.880

Multiple large trees fell down onto a property and across a driveway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Louisa

When
March 16, 7:15 PM EST
Where
Louisa County, 3.34 mi ENE of Apple Grove
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.890, -77.840

Multiple large trees fell down across Louisa County. The worst damage was in the eastern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chesterfield

When
March 16, 7:18 PM EST
Where
Chesterfield County, 1.76 mi NW of Midlothian
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
37.520, -77.670

Numerous large trees fell down and snapped in the Salisbury neighborhood in Midlothian.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hanover

When
March 16, 7:20 PM EST
Where
Hanover County, 2.34 mi SSE of Mabelton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.800, -77.730

A tree fell down and clipped the siding on a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Henrico

When
March 16, 7:20 PM EST
Where
Henrico County, 1.78 mi WSW of Short Pump
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.640, -77.650

An NWS employee reported a tree down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Louisa

When
March 16, 7:23 PM EST
Where
Louisa County, 1.29 mi WSW of Bumpass
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.960, -77.750

Several trees fell down on Fredericks Hall Road near the border with Hanover County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chesterfield

When
March 16, 7:26 PM EST
Where
Chesterfield County, 3.44 mi SE of Midlothian
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.470, -77.600

A large tree fell down on a power line, causing multiple power outages.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hanover

When
March 16, 7:32 PM EST
Where
Hanover County, 0.55 mi E of Ashland
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.750, -77.470

There were several reports of trees and power lines down throughout Hanover County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Henrico

When
March 16, 7:32 PM EST
Where
Henrico County, 0.88 mi SW of West End Manor
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.640, -77.540

There were several reports of trees down throughout Henrico County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caroline

When
March 16, 7:47 PM EST
Where
Caroline County, 1.29 mi WNW of Antioch Fork
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.030, -77.350

Trees fell down around Bowling Green.

Thunderstorm Wind, Essex

When
March 16, 8:14 PM EST
Where
Essex County, 2.34 mi NNE of Mt Lndg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.960, -76.910

Four trees fell down northwest of Tappahannock. There were additional reports of wires arcing.

Thunderstorm Wind, New Kent

When
March 16, 8:17 PM EST
Where
New Kent County, 4.3 mi SE of New Kent
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.480, -76.920

Trees fell down in New Kent County.

Thunderstorm Wind, New Kent

When
March 16, 8:17 PM EST
Where
New Kent County, 2.15 mi SE of New Kent
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.500, -76.950

Several trees were reported down throughout New Kent County.

Thunderstorm Wind, James City

When
March 16, 8:22 PM EST
Where
James City County, 1.49 mi NNW of Toano
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.400, -76.830

Trees fell down across northern James City County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Isle of Wight

When
March 16, 8:25 PM EST
Where
Isle of Wight County, 0.88 mi SW of Raynor
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.920, -76.790

Trees fell down in a field along Foursquare Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Isle of Wight

When
March 16, 8:27 PM EST
Where
Isle of Wight County, 1.38 mi N of Septa
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.040, -76.720

Trees fell down in northern Isle of Wight County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Suffolk (C)

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Suffolk (C) County, 1.11 mi E of Elephant Fork
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.750, -76.560

Powerlines fell down in Suffolk.

Thunderstorm Wind, Newport News (C)

When
March 16, 8:47 PM EST
Where
Newport News (C) County, Patrick Henry Fld
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
37.130, -76.500

The Newport News ASOS (KPHF) measured a gust to 61 miles per hour.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hampton (C)

When
March 16, 8:55 PM EST
Where
Hampton (C) County, 2.98 mi NNE of Hampton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.060, -76.330

Numerous large tree branches and power lines fell down in the Willow Oaks neighborhood in Hampton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hampton (C)

When
March 16, 8:57 PM EST
Where
Hampton (C) County, 4.29 mi NNE of Hampton
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
AWOS
Coordinates
37.080, -76.330

The Langley Airforce Base AWOS station (KLFI) in Hampton measured a gust to 59 miles per hour.

Thunderstorm Wind, Poquoson

When
March 16, 8:57 PM EST
Where
Poquoson County, 3.08 mi ESE of Poquoson
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
37.110, -76.320

The Poquoson mesonet station (XPOQ) measured a gust to 59 miles per hour.

Thunderstorm Wind, Portsmouth (C)

When
March 16, 9:00 PM EST
Where
Portsmouth (C) County, 2.07 mi N of Portsmouth
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.850, -76.330

Numerous trees fell down along Maryland Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Virginia Beach (C)

When
March 16, 9:25 PM EST
Where
Virginia Beach (C) County, 1.77 mi SE of Euclid
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.810, -76.150

Large tree limbs fell down onto a power line at Providence Drive and Edwin Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Accomack

When
March 16, 9:55 PM EST
Where
Accomack County, 1.38 mi N of Whithams
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.970, -75.570

Trees and power lines fell down at Holland Road and Farlow Road in New Church. Multiple power outages were reported in the area.

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

More

Every storm in Virginia in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, March 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: 1322927, 1322928, 1322929, 1322930, 1322931, 1322932, 1322933, 1322934, 1322936, 1322939, 1322941, 1322942, 1322944, 1322945, 1322946, 1322947, 1322948, 1322949, 1322950, 1322951, 1322952, 1322953, 1322954, 1322955, 1322956, 1322957, 1322958, 1322959, 1322960, 1322961, 1322962, 1322963, 1322964, 1322965, 1322966, 1322967, 1322968, 1322973, 1322969, 1322974, and more.