First Alert Weather Day: Heavy rain, strong storms possible Tuesday Evening.

Watching a risk for flooding and strong thunderstorms across Central Virginia

First Alert Weather Day: Strong storms Tuesday evening

By Nick Russo and Andrew Freiden | September 27, 2020 at 4:03 PM EDT - Updated September 29 at 1:45 PM

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Today is a First Alert Weather Day for the potential of heavy rain and a few strong to severe thunderstorms. The heaviest rain is not expected until 7pm this evening.

An area of low pressure will develop along a slow moving cold front on Tuesday, which likely leads to slow moving downpours and storms.

Timing

The most likely time to see the heaviest rain and strong storms will be Tuesday 7pm through 2 a.m. Wednesday. Showers and storms will likely start during the late afternoon but the widespread rain arrives near or after sunset.

Threats

The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted Central Virginia in a slight risk for heavy rainfall and potential for flash flooding.

Rainfall totals will likely reach 1-2 inches across the region with locally higher amounts.

Rainfall forecast amounts are expected to reach a half inch to 2 inches across Central and Southern Virginia, with the heaviest amounts likely across Eastern Virginia. (Source: WWBT)

There’s a low end threat for severe storms, Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. The primary threat would be strong wind gusts, and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.