Written by: Sam Orlando
Augusta County, VA - Residents of Augusta County and the broader Mid-Atlantic region are being advised to stay vigilant as the Severe Storms Prediction Center (SPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a forecast predicting significant severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes, for Monday.
The SPC's Day 2 Convective Outlook indicates that there is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms spanning from the Mid-Atlantic states into the Southern Appalachians and Carolinas. This is set against a backdrop of a slight risk that parts of the Central High Plains might also face severe storms capable of producing large hail and gusty winds.
According to the latest update provided at 12:43 PM CDT on Sunday, August 6, 2023:
A potent mid/upper shortwave trough, expected to move from Illinois to the central Appalachians, is behind the anticipated severe weather pattern. This is complemented by an anomalous belt of strong west/southwesterly flow that will affect the central and southern Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic states.
The outlook is particularly concerning for areas spanning from the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and down to the southern Appalachians and Carolinas. There's an expectation of multiple bands and clusters of storms developing around midday, particularly over the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians. By early to mid-afternoon, these thunderstorms are expected to spread extensively from northern Alabama and Georgia into Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
While a mix of storms is anticipated, the risk of severe weather seems particularly high in the northern Virginia, Maryland, and Chesapeake Bay vicinity by late afternoon or early evening. The wind risk is deemed to be particularly high in these regions.
The Storms Prediction Center cites several factors converging that make severe weather, including the threat of tornadoes, more likely. Augusta County is often geographically protected from such weather, but the Center highlighted the elevated risk through the Mid-Atlantic and down to the Souther Appalachians, which includes the Augusta County area.
Residents are urged to monitor local news outlets, weather apps, and the NOAA website for real-time updates. It's crucial to have a plan in place, should severe weather warnings be issued for your area. Remember, safety first: If warnings are issued, seek shelter immediately, avoid driving, and keep away from windows.
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