Aug 7, 2024 - News
Mapped: Virginia's severe weather threats
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Richmond averaged 11 severe storm watches per year over the past two decades, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- That includes watches for thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Why it matters: We've got some severe weather in the forecast due to Tropical Storm Debby.
- Plus, extreme weather is the leading cause of power outages in Virginia.
State of play: In general, the average number of watches from 2004-2023 was significantly higher in parts of NoVa than in Southwest Virginia.
- NoVa counties, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford and Spotsylvania, had the highest average at 14.
- SW counties like Wythe, Bath and Pulaski had the lowest average at 6.
The intrigue: In total, Richmond and Henrico saw 222 severe weather watches between 2004-2023.
- Chesterfield had 224 and Hanover 232.
The bottom line: Consider kicking in for a generator for your pals in Hanover.