Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 5:56PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA

**Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 5:56PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA**

At 555 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms near Buck Shoals, or 12 miles south of Ronda, moving southeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include... North Wilkesboro... Elkin... Wilkesboro... Jonesville... Ronda... Boomer... and Windy Gap.

**What You Should Do:**

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning.

**Alert Details:**

- **Severity:** Moderate

- **Urgency:** Expected

- **Issued by:** NWS Blacksburg VA

- **Effective:** Sep 18, 2026 5:56 PM UTC

- **Expires:** Sep 18, 2026 6:30 PM UTC

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