Top 5 Weather Events of 2024

TOP 5 Weather Events of 2024

This is list of top 5 Weather Events of 2024 come from votes of our office meteorologists.

Hurricane Helene, September 25th-29th

Satellite Loop of Helene
Credit: NWS Wilmington, NC

One of the most devastating weather events to ever impact our area occurred over a multiple day period from September 25th through the 29th. Catastrophic flooding and high winds from Helene caused eight deaths in our forecast area; resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage mainly from historic flooding and flash flooding, especially in northwest NC and far southwest Virginia. There were also six tornadoes associated with Helene and the 52 tornado warnings issued by our office in September were the most issued for any month on record. For more information visit our Helene webpage

August 8th: Flash Flooding/Flooding and Wind Damage from Debby

Rainfall Totals From Debby

There were numerous incidents of flash flooding across the Virginia Piedmont into the northern North Carolina Piedmont. Numerous roads in Yadkin and Rockingham county, NC were impassable and one vehicle in Yadkin county was stranded in flooded waters. Numerous trees were blown down in this same area from strong winds.

May 26th, Severe Weather Event

Storm over Boonsboro, VA
Boonsboro, VA Storm May 26th, 2024 Credit Matt Hovey

Sixty unique reports of severe weather, mostly damaging winds, was the greatest number in one day since June 21, 2011. One of these events included the EF1 Salem, VA tornado.

April 11th Severe Weather

Tree on home in Wilkes County, NC. Credit NWS Blacksburg Storm Survey

49 unique reports of severe weather, including two EF1 tornadoes (Wilkes and Pittsylvania counties).

Prolonged Severe Drought Summer/Fall

Drought at its worst July 2024

From June through August, Severe Drought (D2) conditions were observed in at least a portion of our forecast area. Wytheville tied their all-time longest stretch of consecutive days, 34, without precipitation. Weather records for Wytheville date back to 1893.