Roanoke, Va. – More than 50 counties and independent cities across western and central Virginia are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Friday as powerful storms sweep through the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 348 covers a large swath of Virginia stretching from Tazewell to Winchester. The watch includes Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, and Harrisonburg. Isolated tornadoes, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail are possible through the evening hours.
The watch impacts major routes including I-81, I-64, and U.S. 29. Residents in the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke Valley, and Southside should monitor local alerts and be ready to take shelter if a warning is issued. Outdoor plans should be rescheduled, and those in mobile homes or vulnerable structures are urged to identify safer shelter options…