07/09/2025
SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK – WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025
Before reading, remember… not everyone will see a storm, but those who do could see a strong storm
📍 Foothills of NC & SW Virginia – Including Mount Airy, Roanoke, Wytheville, Danville, Lynchburg
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The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 Slight Risk for severe weather today across the region. Multiple hazards are possible this afternoon and evening, including damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning.
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⏰ TIMING & SETUP
• ⏱️ Storm Timing: Between 2 PM and Midnight
• ⛈️ Strongest storms likely 4 PM to 9 PM
• 💨 Storms may move in clusters or lines, which can increase wind damage potential
A warm, humid, and unstable air mass is in place ahead of an upper-level disturbance. Thunderstorms are expected to develop during peak heating and organize into stronger cells or clusters as they track east.
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HAZARDS & IMPACTS
Damaging Winds (Primary Threat)
• Gusts of 60+ mph are possible
Large Hail
• Up to quarter-size (1”) hail possible in more intense updrafts
• Risk area includes Mount Airy, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville
Localized Flooding
• Recent rainfall has saturated the ground
• Flash flooding possible in low-lying or urban areas
• Heaviest downpours may drop 1–2 inches of rain in a short period
Frequent Lightning
• Dangerous lightning is likely with any storm, even if not severe
• Lightning may strike miles from the storm core — “when thunder roars, go indoors!”
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📍 LOCAL IMPACT – MOUNT AIRY & SURROUNDING FOOTHILLS
Mount Airy and surrounding communities are included in:
• The 15% risk zone for damaging wind
• The 15% risk zone for severe hail
• A Level 2 Severe Risk (Slight) overall
Storms will likely move into the region between 4 PM and 7 PM, with scattered strong to severe cells possible.
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✅ WHAT TO DO
• 📱 Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
• 📻 Have a NOAA Weather Radio ready if possible
• 🧒 Keep kids and pets indoors during warnings
• 🚗 Avoid driving during storms if possible, especially in flooded areas.