Weather alert affecting Rockingham County Wednesday night - gusts up to 40 mph

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The NWS Blacksburg VA issued a report at 8:47 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 9:15 p.m. for Rockingham County.

Be ready for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 8:47 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Mayodan, moving southeast at 35 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Locations impacted by the alert include Reidsville, Wentworth, Mayodan, Madison, Stoneville, Intelligence and Harrisons Crossroads.

According to the NWS, "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 9:15 p.m.

What to do as threat of lightning approaches?

Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are tips on how to stay 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 grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.
• Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• If you are camping in an open space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent 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
• Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your 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 when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding 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 April 29, 2026 at 8:48 PM.