Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Central Virginia and North Central North Carolina

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of north central North Carolina and central, south central, and west central Virginia. This alert is in effect until 9:45 AM EDT on March 16, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following regions:

• North Carolina: Caswell County.
• Virginia: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford (eastern), Campbell, Halifax (western), Pittsylvania, and Rockbridge Counties.
• Virginia Cities: Buena Vista, Danville, Lexington, and Lynchburg.

Specific locations impacted include Lynchburg, Danville, Lexington, Buena Vista, Altavista, Amherst, and Yanceyville.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area should prepare immediately for damaging winds. For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.

Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning, as locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways and minor flooding of creeks and streams.

If it is safe to do so, report wind damage or hail to the National Weather Service by calling toll-free at 1-866-215-4324 or via social media.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Radar-indicated wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
• Impacts: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
• Precipitation: Locally heavy rain and potential ponding in low-lying areas or areas of poor drainage.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 8:39 AM EDT after severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Lexington to near Evington to near Wentworth. The storms are moving northeast at 70 mph. The alert is scheduled to expire at 9:45 AM EDT.