Hampton Roads will have a significant risk of severe storms on Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Southeast Virginia, beginning just north of Richmond, the Eastern Shore and northeast North Carolina are under a Level 3 — or “enhanced” — risk of severe weather. The areas north of Richmond and across central Virginia are under a “slight” risk.
Showers are expected to begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m. with an additional line of weaker storms behind the initial one, according to NWS. Winds could reach beyond 75 mph, and “a few strong tornadoes” are also possible.
The probability of tornadoes is between 5% and 9% for the areas south of Richmond and between 2% and 4% for the areas further north, while the threat of severe hail is highest northwest of Richmond at 15%-29%.
There will be elevated to significant marine hazard risk from mid-day Wednesday to Thursday night with wind gusts ranging from 25-34 knots and waves from 5-8 feet.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com