North-Central VA Supercell Fires 2.5-Inch Hail as Wind Line Builds for NC Evening Threat — SevereWX

A robust supercell churning across north-central Virginia poses a serious large hail risk, while a cluster of thunderstorms south-central Virginia gains cold pool structure for stronger wind potential as it shifts southeast into north-central North Carolina.

The Storm Prediction Center highlights ongoing mixed-mode activity along a surface boundary this afternoon. Daytime heating has spiked temperatures into the mid-90s°F with steep low-level lapse rates fueling moderate to strong instability ahead of the storms. Deep-layer shear supports storm organization, though it weakens southward—favoring wind threats from the line echo as it moves into richer instability.

Key Threats:

• Hail: 1.50-2.50 inches (golf ball to tennis ball size) from the supercell, where shear aids rotation despite weaker low-level flow.
• Winds: Up to 60 mph gusts, potentially increasing with cold pool development in the line.

SPC rates the odds of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch at 80% within the next few hours, valid through early evening (roughly 10 PM EDT). Affected zones stretch from northern Virginia southeastward into north-central North Carolina, impacting areas served by WFOs LWX, RAH, RNK, and AKQ.

Stay vigilant this late afternoon and evening—radar echoes could intensify quickly. Preparedness: Keep a weather app handy, know your safe room, and avoid travel under severe storm paths. Check SPC updates and local NWS warnings for the latest.