Severe storm heading our way could bring high winds, hail

PETERSBURG − The National Weather Service now says half-inch size hail is a possibility in parts of the Tri-City area Monday night.

At 8:16 p.m., the NWS office in Wakefield issued a special weather statement for Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Chester until 9 p.m. According to the statement, winds up to 50 mph and hail are possible before everything clears out later Monday night.

NWS radar indicated a strong storm near Sutherland in Dinwiddie County that was moving southeast at 35 mph, and Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Prince George County are in its path.

"Gusty winds could knock down small trees and blow around unsecured objects," an NWS alert read. "Wind [is] impacting handling of high-profile vehicles. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

The bad weather will hang around for a good portion of the evening before clearing out later Monday night. NWS Wakefield expects mostly sunny skies Tuesday with a high in the upper 70s.

The entire Tri-City area is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Monday.

Drivers on Interstate 95 and other area roads are encouraged to use caution. If you encounter the hail, "do not stop under overpasses," the weather service said.

This is a developing story. If you have weather photos you would like to share, please send them to newsroom@progress-Index.com.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Severe storm heading our way could bring high winds, hail