Here we go again…

If you have outdoor plans on Sunday afternoon/evening, keep an umbrella nearby.  Remember “when thunder roars, go indoors.”  I know that phrase may sound silly but the message saves lives.  With the combination of energy from the sun, plenty of moisture, a cold front approaching and some upper-level support, strong to severe thunderstorms are possible later on Sunday.  Gusty winds and hail will be the primary threat.  In fact, the Storm Prediction Center has our area in the “slight risk” category for Sunday.

Be sure to check in with Meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler on WAVY-TV 10 on Sunday morning for the latest forecast information.

Be safe.

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

What an intense weather day!  The lift from a frontal boundary combined with some energy from the sun and a wave of low pressure created some nasty thunderstorms this afternoon.   There were numerous reports of damage in Suffolk, Portsmouth and parts of the northern neck and northeast North Carolina.  Early reports from the Emergency Manager in Suffolk say that at least 65 homes in the Berkshire Meadows subdivision have minor damage from Sunday’s storms.  Gusty winds toppled trees  into homes, cars and across roadways, shingles were blown off rooftops and large hail and dangerous lightning reminded us of what a severe thunderstorms is capable of.  Thankfully, so far there have been no reports of injuries.

Here are a few photos from WAVY-TV viewers.  Remember, you can always send your photos of weather and storm damage to photos@wavy.com.  Please make sure your photo size is less than 1 MB.  Thank you!

From Darcy near Obici Hospital in Suffolk

Kings Landing area

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch from late this morning until early this afternoon for the entire viewing area.

In Virginia, the severe thunderstorm warnings have reduced to heavy rains with little thunder and lightening.

Viewers in Newport News are calling and reporting what seems to be storm damage.  Several cars have blown out windows near H St.  It is reported that law enforcement is in the area.  The roads are slowly opening.  There is also a report of a buidling collapse near the 1000 Block of Jefferson Ave.  Stay tuned as we confirm these reports.

Also, there are over 2,000 power outages in our coverage area. For more information about this, visit wavy.com and click on the Dominion Power link.

Some terminology for you: a watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado whereas a warning means a tornado was spotted by either Super Doppler 10 or law enforcement.

I expect showers and storms to increase during the late morning hours and move off shore by early afternoon.

These storms are capable of producing isolated tornadoes, high winds, hail, lightning and heavy downpours.

Safety information from the American Red Cross:

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued…

* Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
* Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued…

* If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
* If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
* If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes…

* Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
* Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
* Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
* Do not use candles at any time.