RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – A storm system approaching us from the west will bring the threat for strong to severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening, plus widespread rain overnight into Friday morning.
We expect storms to intensify in central Virginia through mid-afternoon and evening, mainly along and west of I-95. Some of those storms could have severe wind gusts, as well as a few isolated tornadoes.
Rain will continue overnight into Friday morning, with the activity gradually shifting eastward. There is the potential for several inches of rain in the western third of Virginia, where a flash flood watch is in effect until Friday. That 2″ to 3″ of total rainfall will result in flash flooding in these areas, and the James River will return to action stage (above 9 ft) this weekend.
In addition to the heavy rain will be the threat for some severe weather, which will include the possibility for tornadoes. The main threat will be late Thursday into early Friday when low-level moisture, lift, and wind shear are maximized. We’ll have our team of chasers out tracking the potential for any threatening storms.
