First Alert Weather Day: Tornado Watch until 9 p.m.

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for all of central and southern Virginia for potential tornadoes and destructive straight-line wind gusts up to 70 to 80 mph.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for counties shaded in red. That means conditions are... — A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for counties shaded in red. That means conditions are favorable for an isolated tornado. (WWBT)

After a sunny and HOT day, we’re focusing on the evening for severe potential. Showers and storms are expected to move west to east across central Virginia ahead of a cold front. Storms are expected to arrive in central Virginia after 5 p.m. Peak time for RVA is 6-8pm. The severe weather threat should come to an end by 9 p.m.

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A LEVEL 4 “MODERATE RISK” zone is in place for our NW Counties. This means “numerous severe storms are likely.” The last time Virginia was at this high of a category was 2019.

A rare (last time was 2019) "Moderate" risk of severe storms for Western VA. This is a level 4... — A rare (last time was 2019) "Moderate" risk of severe storms for Western VA. This is a level 4 out of 5(SPC)

Wind damage including power outages and downed trees is our main threat. Large hail, heavy rain and frequent lightning are also possible. We recommend parking in a garage if you have one to reduce the potential for damage to your vehicle. Seek shelter inside a sturdy shelter when you hear thunder.

A 45% risk for damaging wind gusts includes RVA - the highest risk we've seen in more than four... — A 45% risk for damaging wind gusts includes RVA - the highest risk we've seen in more than four years. Northwest of RVA there is a "hatched" area with lines noting a risk for significant severe weather which could include wind gusts to 80 mph.(WWBT)

This squall line will move quickly eastward across the southern and central Appalachians. Widespread damaging winds are expected along the leading edge of the squall line.

Storms fire up North and West first, before headed to RVA — Storms fire up North and West first, before headed to RVA(nbc12)

Peak storm threat is 7-8pm for RVA — Peak storm threat is 7-8pm for RVA(nbc12)

An Enhanced level 3 out of 5 risk for severe storms includes all of central Virginia.

Our tornado threat is low but we can’t completely rule out the risk. Know where your safe place for shelter is located. If a tornado warning is issued, your safe place should be the lowest most interior room in your home away from windows. This is typically a hallway, closet, bathroom or the bottom of a stairwell.

The highest risk of tornadoes will be north and west of RVA with a 10% tornado risk. The... — The highest risk of tornadoes will be north and west of RVA with a 10% tornado risk. The tornado risk drops off farther south and east.(WWBT)

If you have outdoor plans Monday afternoon and evening, consider moving those plans indoors.

Be sure to download the NBC12 First Alert Weather app for up-to-date information and to receive severe weather alerts.

You can find the app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

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