Thunderstorm Wind — Henry, Virginia

2011-04-05 · near Martinsville Airport, Henry, Virginia

Event narrative

Thunderstorm winds caused several trees down across the central and northern portion of Henry County. This includes trees down on a house with people trapped inside in Fieldale. Heavy damage was also reported on Skyview Trail in the Spencer area. One mobile home received heavy damage, another home had its roof lifted off, a shed was destroyed, several vehicles were heavily damaged, and a gazebo was blown away. In the Dyer Store area Martin Stables received heavy damage. it was here where a machinery storage building, hay barn, and half a cinder block building were destroyed. Most of the farm equipment was destroyed by falling debris.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level low pressure system and cold front moved across the region on the night of the 4th into early on the 5th of April. A line of showers and thunderstorms accompanied this front. This line intensified as it approached the Blue Ridge and entered into an area of higher instability. This intensification resulted in areas of wind damage, mainly along and east of the Blue Ridge.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.6500, -80.0200)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 299679. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.