ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE - MONDAY 10:00 P.M.
While scattered showers and storms continue near and north of US 460, the chance of anything causing damage is very low. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 1 a.m. for areas well east of US 29, but that may need to be canceled early.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch stays in effect this afternoon until 9:00 p.m. tonight (June 26). Showers and storms are starting to develop with enough energy to create damaging wind gusts and hail.
This afternoon’s storms start both north and south with some in the Highlands and in North Carolina. As our system develops more storms grow in Southside and Lynchburg, especially after 4:00 p.m.
[Share your weather pics with us]
The amount of energy available to these storms means hail crystals can rise into the air again and again. That helps them grow to a damaging size. Wind gusts can get high enough to break branches and cause power outages today.
There is a low chance for tornadoes to form. Winds are not particularly favorable for tornadoes in our region, but the chance exists through the evening.
If you have pictures of hail, rain, clouds, or damage send them to our Pin It page. Stay safe as you take those pictures. If you have images from after the storms roll through we would love to see those as well.