Slight Risk Virginia; Maine Severe Warning — July 22, 2026 — SevereWX

LIVE Severe Weather Update: Virginia Slight Leads Broad Threat

Virginia remains under a Slight risk for severe thunderstorms today, July 22—the highest level in the Storm Prediction Center's Day 1 outlook. Overnight activity sparked severe thunderstorm watches across Tennessee and into Virginia and Maryland, setting the stage for today's threats. Now in the afternoon, storms have pushed northward, with a severe thunderstorm warning currently active over Maine amid new development in the Mid-Atlantic.

Focus right now: The warning in Maine targets damaging winds and large hail through 3:30 PM EDT. Next couple hours could see additional storms strengthen over New England and the Mid-Atlantic, where low-end severe potential lingers.

Timeline

9:04 PM EDT — SPC Mesoscale Discussion for Middle Tennessee Severe Watch

The Storm Prediction Center issued a mesoscale discussion concerning Severe Thunderstorm Watch 510 over middle Tennessee. Storms in the region carried risks of damaging winds and large hail during the late evening hours. The discussion highlighted ongoing severe potential under the watch.

10:39 PM EDT — SPC Mesoscale Discussion for East-Central Virginia, Southern Maryland, and Eastern Shore

SPC released a mesoscale discussion for portions of east-central Virginia, southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, tied to Severe Thunderstorm Watch 509. Intense storms posed severe threats overnight, including damaging winds. The watch covered these areas as activity pushed eastward.

11:09 PM EDT — SPC Mesoscale Discussion for Western and Middle Tennessee Severe Watch

Another mesoscale discussion from SPC focused on western and middle Tennessee under Severe Thunderstorm Watch 510. Persistent storm clusters maintained severe potential into the late night. Damaging wind gusts were the primary concern in the affected zones.

12:01 AM EDT — SPC Mesoscale Discussion for Central and Eastern Virginia

SPC issued a mesoscale discussion for parts of central and eastern Virginia, linked to Severe Thunderstorm Watch 509. Early morning storms continued to threaten with severe weather, mainly strong winds. The discussion extended coverage as activity evolved.

1:14 PM EDT — SPC Flags Severe Potential Across Large Portion of Maine, Watch Possible

The Storm Prediction Center highlighted severe thunderstorm potential over a large portion of Maine, noting a 40% chance of a watch. Afternoon storms are developing with risks of damaging winds and hail. A severe watch remains possible in the next hour or so.

1:40 PM EDT — SPC Notes Severe Potential in Mid-Atlantic, Watch Unlikely

SPC issued a mesoscale discussion for portions of the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina, with a 20% chance of a watch deemed unlikely. Scattered storms carry low-end severe risks this afternoon. Damaging winds are possible amid the instability.

2:46 PM EDT — Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Piscataquis, Maine

A severe thunderstorm warning is now active for Piscataquis County in Maine until 3:30 PM EDT. Radar indicates strong storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail. Residents should seek shelter if in the path.

What's Next

Storms over Maine will continue through late afternoon, with potential for more warnings as they move east. Mid-Atlantic areas under Virginia's Slight risk could see scattered severe gusts into evening. Monitor local NWS updates as threats evolve.

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