ROANOKE, Va. – Update
The Weather Authority Alert Day issued for Wednesday, June 26 has expired.
4:40 p.m. Update
The severe threat continues across the region as isolated storms form.
Here is a look at 10:00 PM tonight
By midnight, the storms continue to push east and wrap up shortly after. Light showers will continue through the rest of the night.
7 a.m. update
At about 7 a.m., meteorologist Chris Michaels provided a live update and explained when the heat index could reach triple digits and when and where we’ll see the potential for stronger storms.
If you missed it, you can watch the full Appcast below:
ORIGINAL STORY
A Weather Authority Alert Day is in effect Wednesday due mainly to strong storm potential in the late afternoon and evening hours.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has the western half of our area in a Level 2 risk for severe storms, indicating that the potential is scattered.
The main threat with any stronger storm would be the potential for localized wind damage. Hail may form in a storm or two, especially north of the Roanoke Valley.
Future Tracker shows storms developing after 2 or 3 p.m. These will be pretty sporadic into the evening.
Even by suppertime and hours closer to sunset, most of our storms will be near and west of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
They’ll eventually jump eastward later in the evening before mostly clearing the area by Midnight.
Download the new and improved weather app here to stay on top of today’s storm potential.
This Alert Day is two-fold, as we also see the potential for high heat. The heat index approaches triple digits Wednesday afternoon and evening in areas like Lynchburg and Southside.
Make sure you’re drinking water and electrolytes, seeking shade and taking breaks if you must work outside during the hottest time of day.