Late Monday evening, the National Weather Service told Northampton County residents to brace for a fast-moving line of strong thunderstorms pushing through the area, packing gusty winds and frequent lightning. The alert urged anyone outside to head for shelter and to steer clear of downed trees, power lines or loose items that could turn into airborne projectiles. Power outages and tree damage were on the table as the line marched eastward.
According to the Raleigh News & Observer, the NWS Wakefield office issued an updated report at 8:58 p.m. Monday, warning that storms would hang over parts of Northampton County until about 9:45 p.m. Forecasters said the system could deliver wind gusts up to 40 mph and was moving east at about 35 mph, fast enough that tree limbs and unsecured outdoor gear could be knocked around in a hurry.
Storm Track And Timing
Forecasters mapped out the storm’s expected path for a string of small communities along the Virginia–North Carolina line. South Hill and La Crosse were pegged for around 9:05 p.m., Brodnax and Ebony around 9:10 p.m., Gasburg about 9:15 p.m., Brunswick and Dundas near 9:25 p.m., and Lawrenceville, Alberta and Barley in the neighborhood of 9:30 p.m., among other towns. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” the Wakefield office cautioned, as reported by the Raleigh News & Observer.
Watch, Lightning Risk And Safety
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering northeastern North Carolina and parts of Virginia was set to remain in effect until 11 p.m., according to the Herald Sun. The National Weather Service notes that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year and is responsible for roughly 20 deaths annually, a reminder that if you can hear thunder you should be in a sturdy shelter, not out in the open.
If your power goes out or you spot downed lines, officials advise contacting local emergency services and your utility provider and staying away from any nearby hazards. State safety guidance also recommends staying indoors and away from windows, unplugging sensitive electronics when lightning is close, and waiting a full 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before heading back outside.
