Virginia Braces for Major Storm: Tornadoes Possible

A major winter storm is anticipated to bring severe weather to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast starting overnight Sunday, March 15, with significant impacts expected on Monday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center forecasts widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing flooding downpours across the affected areas. Potentially strong tornadoes and particularly damaging winds are most likely from South Carolina up through Maryland during the afternoon hours.

Eastern and central Virginia, including Washington D.C. and Richmond, have been upgraded to a moderate risk level, indicating a 15% chance of tornadoes, some of which could be intense. Residents in the Petersburg and Tri-Cities region should prepare for a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service. While isolated storms may occur before a strong cold front crosses late Monday, the primary concern is severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and tornado potential.