Severe Thunderstorms Hit Northwestern Virginia and North Carolina

Severe thunderstorms are affecting parts of northwestern Virginia and North Carolina with strong winds and large hail. A warning is in effect until 2:30 PM EDT for several Virginia counties. A thunderstorm watch extends until 6 PM EDT for regions in North Carolina and Virginia. Local news includes crime reports, economic developments, and infrastructure updates.

A severe thunderstorm warning is currently in effect for several counties across northwestern Virginia. The warning stands until 2:30 PM EDT for areas including Smyth, Tazewell, western Bland, northwestern Wythe, and southwestern Mercer counties. Radar has indicated dangerous thunderstorms moving east at about 45 mph, bringing with them potential wind gusts of up to 70 mph and hail the size of ping pong balls.

As of 1:51 PM EDT, the storm’s locations extend from Gary to Bandy and Raven. These storms could cause significant harm to people and animals outdoors. Residents should be prepared for possible hail damage to homes, cars, and other structures, while trees are also at risk for considerable damage. Communities likely impacted by these storms include Bluefield, Richlands, Tazewell, Saltville, Cedar Bluff, Matoaka, and Ceres.

In light of the warnings, authorities are urging individuals to seek immediate shelter. Citizens should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay clear of windows. When conditions allow, residents are encouraged to report any hail or wind damage to the National Weather Service at 1-866-215-4324. Additionally, they may share photos and reports on social media platforms, specifically the National Weather Service Blacksburg Facebook page and Twitter.

On another front, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for North Carolina and parts of Virginia, remaining in effect until 6 PM EDT today. This watch covers several counties, including Surry, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin in North Carolina. Additionally, it includes a number of counties in southwestern Virginia—Bland, Carroll, Galax, Radford, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, and Wythe. Moreover, three counties in southeast West Virginia—Mercer, Monroe, and Summers—are also under this watch.

In other local news, specific articles are gaining attention. A woman has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and burglary. Additionally, a report has surfaced detailing the challenging realities faced by those living in mobile home communities owned by external entities. Further, an official has recently noted that the development of GHS Stadium is expected to take considerable time.

Moreover, a new economic opportunity district has been sanctioned for Mercer County, alongside the swearing-in of a new assistant prosecutor. Exciting changes are also on the horizon for local dining, with a new restaurant announced for Bland County and additional hotel rooms expected to boost tourism efforts in Mercer. Lastly, officials have approved a contract regarding Mitchell Stadium, while the Tazewell board has opted to delay its decision.

Stay tuned for further updates as weather conditions evolve and local stories develop.

In summary, severe thunderstorms are impacting parts of Virginia and North Carolina, with warnings issued for significant wind gusts and hail. Residents are advised to seek shelter. Meanwhile, various local news stories highlight community safety and development efforts as well as changes within the region’s infrastructure. This combination of severe weather and community news underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by local residents.

Original Source: www.bdtonline.com