Special Weather Statement issued September 21 at 1:44PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA

**Special Weather Statement issued September 21 at 1:44PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA**

At 142 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along the Virginia, West Virginia border, and into the New River Valley, moving east 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

Locations impacted include... Roanoke... Blacksburg... Salem... Christiansburg... Vinton... Covington... and Clifton Forge.

**What You Should Do:**

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with some of these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

**Alert Details:**

- **Severity:** Moderate

- **Urgency:** Expected

- **Issued by:** NWS Blacksburg VA

- **Effective:** Sep 21, 2026 1:44 PM UTC

- **Expires:** Sep 21, 2026 2:15 PM UTC

*This alert was automatically distributed from the National Weather Service via the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed.*