UPDATE: Weather alert for North Carolina Thursday afternoon, says the NWS

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An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Blacksburg VA on Thursday at 2:04 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. The alert is for Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell and Wilkes counties.

Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 2:03 p.m., Doppler radar tracked multiple strong thunderstorms scattered along a line extending from near Hamer to near Mc Grady. Movement was east at 30 mph," according to the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Locations impacted by the alert include Danville, Eden, Reidsville, Mount Airy, Elkin, Fairview and Flat Rock.

The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning."

This alert is in effect until 2:30 p.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
• Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects. While water and metal do not draw lightning, they are proficient conductors of electricity.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
• Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
• Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 1:08 PM.