PETERSBURG - Snow on Sunday with highs above 80 degrees Friday, and weird weather isn't over just yet.
Around 1 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch, meaning conditions are ripe for tornadic activity, for the area until 8 p.m. Friday.
"It's just the way the weather has been moving today," said Mike Rusnak, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield. Rusnak explained that with the warm weather ahead of a cold front, it could lead to tornado activity.
Chesterfield, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg were among more than 35 localities affected by the tornado watch.
But wind gusts only peaked at 22 mph yesterday at Dinwiddie County Airport, according to the National Weather Service.
About 35 customers in Petersburg were without power as of 8:30 p.m. yesterday after the worst of the storm passed, according to the Dominion Virginia Power website.
Last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. To encourage tornado awareness and safety, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proclaimed March 20 as Tornado Preparedness Day. Tornado season is unofficially considered to begin in March, according to the Associated Press.
The governor's office is encouraging businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals to practice taking cover from tornadoes by participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m. March 20. At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio. The message will be picked up by TV and radio broadcasters, simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning.
When the test tornado warning is sounded, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in their building. Safe areas are basements and crawl spaces, as well as interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building. In choosing a safe area, stay away from windows. Once in the safe area, crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover heads with hands.
- F.M. Wiggins may be reached at 804-732-3456, ext. 3254 or fwiggins@progress-index.com.
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