Roanoke, VA –
Roanoke, VA –
Roanoke, VA – Sunday Afternoon Update
Weather Authority Alert Day has been lifted.
Sunday Morning Update
The first few showers are entering the New River Valley. Over the next few hours we will see this system intensify as a cold front pushes a line of downpours and damaging winds into much of the region.
There remains very little, if any, instability within our area. This is good news, as the less instability we have, the less likely we experience any kind of tornadic activity. It’s a much different story to our south in the Carolinas, where warmer temperatures are providing much more instability. A tornado watch extends just south of Winston-Salem, NC. Keep that in mind if you’re traveling into the Carolinas at all today.
Wind gusts could easily approach the 60 MPH threshold once this line passes through our area around 10-11 AM, and lasting until the late afternoon. This combined with rapid rainfall could lead to us seeing some trees topple and branches come down.
The greatest chance for severe weather appears likely to fall south of Highway 460. This is reflected in the Storm Prediction Center’s slight risk for severe weather that most of Southside Virginia is under.
This system appears likely to clear our area by 6-7 PM. We will continue monitoring this system for any developments.
Saturday Evening Update
In the Storm Prediction Center’s most recent update, the slight risk area (2/5 risk level) has been changed to include the southern portions of the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, and Southside. This area is of particular concern for all threats in play for Sunday.
The main concern will be damaging wind gusts, as well as localized flash flooding. 1-2″ of total rainfall accumulation is expected by the end of the weekend.
Winds will be howling by 2PM on Sunday, some portions of the viewing area will near the 50MPH mark. If you have any unsecured light objects like Christmas decorations or lawn furniture outdoors, be sure to secure them. Unsecured light objects can easily become projectiles during these conditions.
Widespread rainfall will arrive by 8-9AM in the NRV, with rainfall becoming heavy at times. The window for strong to severe thunderstorms will be from 10AM-4PM.
Be sure to stay weather-aware throughout the day tomorrow!
It isn’t often that you see thunderstorms in December, but it is certainly possible. That will be the case Sunday, as we are watching for the risk of potentially severe thunderstorm development throughout the day. Some storms will be capable of damaging winds and frequent downpours. While the risk for hail and tornadoes is very low, there is a non-zero chance of tornadic development. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather (level 2/5) to account for these risks on Sunday. For those reasons, we’ve issued a Weather Authority Alert Day for Sunday.
Ample moisture and low level shear are the primary drivers for this system tomorrow, meaning that winds could gust in excess of 60 MPH later in the afternoon. A warm front will pass through the area, bringing those 60 degree temperatures along with it. That warmer air is going to be the primary reason we see any kind of thunderstorm development, as these conditions are usually what you see in March or April. Overcast skies will limit the amount of instability within the atmosphere, which in turn limits the chance for tornadic activity and hail.
Rain continues throughout the day Saturday and into Sunday, increasing in intensity Sunday afternoon and evening. This heavier rain coincides with the strong winds in the region. The strongest storms appear likely to form between 2-6 PM on Sunday, and will clear out in the evening hours. Southside Virginia has the greatest chance for seeing these stronger storms, with higher elevations likely to experience some of the greatest wind speeds. By the time this event is over, it is likely that we will have seen 2-3″ of rain, with locally greater amounts possible.
Be sure to have several ways to receive weather alerts, and be mindful if traveling this weekend. Roads will be slick, with fog and heavy rain limiting visibility. Secure any loose outdoor belongings, as winds will be strong enough to blow around any loose items.
As usual, we will continue to update you with developments. Download our weather app for alerts as soon as they are issued and updates from the team.
