A cold front attendant to a southern Canada low pressure system moved slowly through western and central Virginia, triggering showers and thunderstorms. Bulk shear of around 30kts just east of the Blue Ridge supported damaging wind gusts from a few storms, which resulted in localized tree damage.
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.
A cold front attendant to a southern Canada low pressure system moved slowly through western and central Virginia, triggering showers and thunderstorms. Bulk shear of around 30kts just east of the Blue Ridge supported damaging wind gusts from a few storms, which resulted in localized tree 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 Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 21, 12:49 PM EST, 1 hour 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 149 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... The aviation forecast has been updated. Increasing confidence for afternoon thunderstorms this afternoon/evening. Heavy downpours likely and possibly strong gusty winds in the stronger storms. Rain chances likely to continue into next week with cooler temperatures on Friday and Saturday. && .KEY MESSAGES... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe weather expected across south central Virginia and north central North carolina today. KEY MESSAGE 2: Rain chances continue into next week. && .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGE 1: Severe weather expected across south central Virginia and north central North carolina today. Two frontal boundaries are currently draped across the area today, with a backdoor front currently positioned along the I-64 corridor slowly sliding south and west into the south central Virginia Piedmont. A cold front from the west is also making progress through NW North Carolina and extreme SW Virginia early this afternoon as well. As these two fronts zipper closed on each other, enough forcing for ascent will trigger thunderstorm activity across much of the region. Currently SPC mesoanalysis has much of the area under 500-1000 J/Kg of SBCAPE, with near 700-1000 J/Kg of DCAPE. The SBCAPE will help with thunderstorm growth along the aforementioned frontal boundaries, and the DCAPE will aid in strong downburst formation. As downbursts move through the area, they will likely produce strong damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, that may cause downed trees, power poles, and damage to small structures. Any downed trees and power poles could lead to localized power outages across the area today. This mornings KRNK upper air sounding measured a PWAT of 1.18 inches; however, RAP mesoanalysis from SPC's mesoanalysis website has PWATs currently at 1.4 inches across a majority of the forecast area. Normally this type of frontal boundary collision combined with PWATs this high would lead to a higher flash flood potential across the area; however, with much of the area in extreme drought and desperately needing rainfall, the threat for flash flooding is low. Much of the areas FFG for the 1 and 3 hour timeframe is in the 3-4 inch range. While this isn't impossible to see today, any rainfall at these totals will likely be absorbed by parched local plant life, and to fill empty streams across the region. In summary, while it's possible to see locally heavy rainfall amounts in the 3-4 inch range today from these thunderstorms, the overall threat remains low given the ongoing extreme drought conditions. KEY MESSAGE 2: Rain chances continue into next week. By Friday, a surface high to our northeast will wedge into the mountains, offering cooler conditions for Friday and Saturday. (Friday will be the coolest with highs in the mid-50s to lower 60s). While the cold front will be well to the south by Friday morning, a surface low pressure system over the Mississippi will drag it back northward as a warm front and grant another round of showers for the area. The influence of the wedge will mean much of the storm development will be elevated. Cloud cover and lack of surface heating will prevent any serious convection but the warm front and continual stream of moisture at the 850mb level will provide ideal conditions for precipitation. It is still difficult to know how much rain will fall as much of the shower development will depend on the speed of the warm front and its duration in our area. The North Carolina counties look to be the favored region for rainfall amounts with totals reaching one inch between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Areas elsewhere may receive much less, between 0.25-0.67". Flood concerns are also low for this part of the forecast unless there is serious training over a specific location and assuming and rain from Thursday does not overperform. Nevertheless, PWAT values are to hold steady between 1.5-1.75" into next week which will allow for some heavier rainfall rates in some storms. By early next week, the warm front should be to our north and the CAD eroded. Warm air will return with highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s and dew points will be around the 50s and 60s. There may be a brief quiet period in the middle of next week, depending on how long it takes for the warm front to progress, before another frontal system approaches from the north towards the end of next week. This front will also be a triggering mechanism for storm development and keep the rain chances going. While the rain is excellent for the drought, more attention may be needed for possible flooding threats as several inches of rainfall may have fallen by the time the cold front arrives. Some models also hint the front may stall over the region which may prolong the precipitation trend. Confidence on flooding is still low given how far out this event is and it highly depends on how much rain falls before then. Once the front moves through, higher pressure moves in and should put a stop to the rain chances. && .AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... VFR conditions are currently disappearing across the area as showers and thunderstorms start to fill in over the region. MVFR to IFR CIGs and VSBYs will likely move in later this afternoon and evening with shower and thunderstorm activity before lowering CIGs from the wedge settle over the region starting around 00 UTC Friday. These CIGs look to remain in the IFR to LIFR levels through the end of the TAF period at all terminals as wedging remains in place for much of the weekend. Along with low CIGs, winds will predominantly be out of the northeast/east across all terminals at around 5-10 knots, with gusts in the 15-20 knot range at times. With warm moist air riding over the shallow cool air at the surface across the region, light on and off rain showers are expected through much of the overnight hours Thursday and daytime hours on Friday after Thursday afternoon's thunderstorm activity. These showers look to continue through the TAF period. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... Chances of showers and low CIGs look to persist through the weekend. This will keep ceilings at MVFR to IFR levels for most terminals. Warm southerly flow in the mid levels riding over cool northeast flow at the surface will keep these restrictions in place during this timeframe, as well as provide several opportunities for patchy fog at times. Guidance looks to keep daily rain chances and clouds in the forecast through much of next week, with afternoon convection returning starting Monday. These conditions may lead to poor flight conditions for much of next week. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && DISCUSSION...CG/EB AVIATION...EB
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 VAZ007-009-010-WVZ042>044-507-508-221815- Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- Western Greenbrier- 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ011>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-221815- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-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- 210 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia and west central Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a Marginal Risk for severe storms this afternoon and evening. The main threats are damaging winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
230 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ016-032-211915-
Patrick VA-Carroll VA-
230 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
CENTRAL CARROLL AND WESTERN PATRICK COUNTIES AND THE NORTHEASTERN
CITY OF GALAX THROUGH 315 PM EDT...
At 229 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Pipers Gap, or near Galax, moving east at 10 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...
Galax...
Hillsville...
Fancy Gap...
Cana...
Dugspur...
Gladesboro...
and Woodlawn.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 8087 3665 8091 3674 8095 3687 8061
3659 8055
TIME...MOT...LOC 1829Z 269DEG 11KT 3666 8082
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
EBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
252 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ033-034-211915-
Franklin VA-Bedford VA-
252 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
SOUTHWESTERN BEDFORD AND NORTHEASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 315
PM EDT...
At 251 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Burnt Chimney, or near Boones Mill, moving east at
20 mph.
HAZARD...Half inch hail and winds up to 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Moneta...
Chamblissburg...
Burnt Chimney...
Northwest Smith Mountain Lake...
Goodview...
Westlake Corner...
and Wirtz.
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 3720 7961 3708 7964 3705 7992 3714 7995
3715 7994 3716 7991 3718 7991 3718 7990
3720 7989 3729 7972
TIME...MOT...LOC 1851Z 250DEG 17KT 3713 7985
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
CDGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
301 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ034-044-211930-
Bedford VA-Pittsylvania VA-
301 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN PITTSYLVANIA
COUNTY THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 300 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Pittsville, or near Gretna, moving northeast at 15 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...
Gretna...
Climax...
Pittsville...
and Ajax.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
If on or near Leesville Lake, get out of the water and move indoors
or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles
from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not
be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.
&&
LAT...LON 3687 7946 3692 7961 3710 7952 3710 7942
3706 7944 3706 7941 3709 7940 3709 7939
3710 7938 3703 7925
TIME...MOT...LOC 1900Z 216DEG 11KT 3697 7948
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
303 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
NCZ020-211930-
Yadkin NC-
303 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
YADKIN COUNTY THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 303 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Shacktown, or near Yadkinville, moving northeast
at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Pea size hail and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Wind gusts may knock over loose objects.
Locations impacted include...
Yadkinville...
East Bend...
Nebo...
Courtney...
Huntsville...
Brooks Crossroads...
and Shacktown.
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 3606 8085 3622 8075 3626 8046 3622 8043
3621 8045 3614 8044 3612 8046 3612 8049
3611 8051 3608 8051 3605 8050
TIME...MOT...LOC 1903Z 211DEG 11KT 3611 8061
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
CDGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
317 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
VAZ034-045-211945-
Campbell VA-Bedford VA-
317 PM EDT Thu May 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN CAMPBELL AND
SOUTHEASTERN BEDFORD COUNTIES THROUGH 345 PM EDT...
At 317 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Altavista, moving northeast at 10 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...
Altavista...
and Evington.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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 3711 7930 3712 7932 3712 7933 3714 7934
3714 7935 3713 7934 3713 7935 3715 7942
3732 7934 3724 7913
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 209DEG 8KT 3717 7933
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
PWThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 82 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:21 UTC.
9 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds blew down one tree near the intersection of Leesville Road and Bishop Creek Road.
Several trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds along Angel Place Road.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds in the 16000 block of Wyatts Way.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds near the 2600 block of Thomas Jefferson Road.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds in the community of Goode.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds along Cottontown Road.
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds near the 2800 block of Camp Hydaway Road.
Numerous trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds throughout Halifax county.
The Bogle Field scoreboard at Cave Spring Middle School was blown down by thunderstorm winds, also damaging a nearby fence in the process.
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, 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: 1331998, 1331999, 1332000, 1332001, 1332002, 1332003, 1332004, 1332005, 1332006.