Richmond, VA – Damaging winds up to 70 mph, large hail, and intense lightning are threatening parts of Virginia and North Carolina this evening as a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, scattered storms will continue pushing northeast through central and eastern North Carolina into southeast and central Virginia, bringing the potential for hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines. The watch spans from Goldsboro and Fayetteville up through Raleigh, Rocky Mount, and Henderson, extending into Richmond, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas.
Travelers along I-95 and I-64 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, reduced visibility, and sudden gusts. The storms may also disrupt power in parts of the 5.8 million-person watch area. Frequent lightning and localized flooding are possible, and although rare, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out…