The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Hampton Roads Friday morning.
The NWS Forecast Office in Wakefield, Va. issued the watch around 6:30 a.m. Friday. The watch includes James City and York Counties, as well as the City of Williamsburg, and 25 Virginia counties in total. The watch will remain active through 1 p.m. Friday.
Wakefield-based meterologist John McGee said a fast-moving system was in the Richmond area around 7:30 a.m.
“We’ve got reports of trees down and possible tornadoes along the I-95 corridor,” McGee said. “The conditions are favorable. There’s definitely a possibility for an isolated tornado or two as the system moves through the Tidewater region.”
McGee said the system would be moving through the Historic Triangle between 8 and 9 a.m.
While a watch means a tornado is possible, it does not mean severe weather is imminent, according to the NWS. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted and there is “imminent danger to life and property.”
According to the NWS, threats include damaging winds gusts in excess of 60 mph, strong thunderstorms and an isolated tornado or two.
McGee said residents should be on the lookout for darkening skies and strong winds.
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