Smyth County, Virginia
Tornadoes, hail, floods and severe storms recorded here between 1972 and 2026, from NOAA's Storm Events Database. Search an address to see which tornadoes came closest to it.
7
Tornado reports
55
Hail reports
65
Floods since 1996
437
All events
0
Deaths
$30.2M
Property damage
Tornado paths in Smyth County
The part of each tornado’s path NOAA recorded in this county, 7 in all. Zoom in and the paths widen to their surveyed width.
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Year by year
All storm eventsTornadoes
NOAA's storm database records tornadoes back to 1950 and hail and thunderstorm wind back to 1955, but floods only from 1996 on. Older floods are missing here. For those, the U.S. Geological Survey's stream gauge records and flood reports are the place to look.
Most significant events
The strongest tornadoes, deadliest events and biggest damage here, up to 50.
Trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, with the greatest concentration of damage in the Saltville area. By 2 PM EDT on Friday, over 12,100 customers were without power throughout the county. Agricultural losses totaled over $1…
Runoff from continued heavy rain resulted in numerous roads becoming flooded and impassible across Smyth County per reports from the public and from the Smyth County 911 Dispatch Center. Rainfall totals ranging from four to locally seven inches were observed across much of the co…
Thunderstorm winds caused considerable damage between Chilhowie and Marion. Winds from these storms damaged seven commercial structures, three government buildings, and 24 residential buildings. Numerous trees and power lines were also reported down due to thunderstorm winds.
The tornado with winds estimated up to 115 MPH entered from Washington County and continued northeast until lifting at Carlock Creek Road near Brushy mountain. Five homes received significant damage to their roofs and walls. Three mobile homes were overturned as well. Several oth…
Drought Drought
Extreme Drought conditions improved to Severe drought conditions in Smyth county through late June after several rainfall events. Drought conditions lingered; however, after the previous several months of March, April, and May recorded precipitation totals of 10.00-15.00 inches, …
Drought Drought
Extreme Drought conditions expanded into Smyth county in May after the previous several months of February, March, and April recorded precipitation totals of 6.00-8.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined with the …
Drought Drought
Severe Drought conditions expanded into Smyth county in early April after the previous several months of January, February, and March recorded precipitation totals of 8.00-10.00 inches, which ended up being 50 to 75 percent of normal for that period. These dry conditions combined…
Winter Storm Winter Storm
Snow totals ranged from 4.0 to 8.2 inches. Key Impacts: transportation delays.
Winter Storm Winter Storm
A wintry mix occurred with reports of up to 1.0 inches of snow and up to 0.50 inches of freezing rain. Over 3,500 power outages were reported across the county. Key Impacts: power outages, traffic accidents.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Two outbuildings were destroyed by thunderstorm winds along Old Shannon Gap Road. One shed was lifted off of its foundation by the thunderstorm winds and moved at least 30 feet.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds downed a couple trees near the intersection of Worthy Boulevard and McKee Street, Worthy Boulevard and Ridgeview Road, and a tree near the intersection of Madison and Palmer Avenue.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Power lines were downed by thunderstorm winds near the intersection of Valley and Long Hollow Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A large tree was downed by thunderstorm winds along Crusenberry Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A tree was downed by thunderstorm winds on Cleghorn Valley Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds downed a tree on North Main Street, one on South Iron Street, one near the intersection of Highland Road and Berkley Drive, and another that landed on a powerline near the intersection of West Lee Street and North Sheffey Street.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds blew down multiple trees along the 700 block of West Chilhowie Street.
High Wind High Wind
High winds blew down two trees near Thomas Bridge and one tree near Sugar Grove.
High Wind High Wind
Four trees were blown down by non-thunderstorm winds around Smyth County. One was blocking Cleghorn Lane near its intersection with B Lane.
Flood Flood
North Fork Holston River at Saltville, VA (SALV2) crested at 12.86 feet (13,283 cfs) at 2:30 am EST on the 16th above the Moderate Flood Stage of 12 feet (Minor Flood Stage is 10 feet). This was caused by between 2.25 and 3 inches of rain falling over a 9 hour period ending at ar…
Flash Flood Flash Flood
Multiple creeks in and around the town of Saltville and across the northern half of Smyth County were observed overflowing their banks across nearby roads, causing them to become impassible. Possum Hollow Road was reported flooded as Beaver Creek rose out of its banks. Glade Bran…
Winter Storm Winter Storm
Between 2 and 3 inches of snow fell across Smyth County from February 11 through February 12. Between one tenth and one third of an inch of ice accumulation was also observed throughout the county. Almost 700 customers had lost power by 7 AM on February 12. Key Impacts: power out…
Winter Storm Winter Storm
Between three and five inches of snow fell across Smyth County from January 10 through January 11. The highest amount of five inches was observed near Allison Gap. Key Impacts: power outages, vehicle accidents.
Winter Storm Winter Storm
Around five inches of snow was reported in Smyth County, and around a tenth of an inch of ice. By mid morning on Monday January 6th, over 100 customers were reported without power. Key Impacts: power outages, traffic accidents.
Winter Weather Winter Weather
Around three inches of snow fell across Smyth County. Roads became slick and hazardous, and there were several vehicle accidents reported during the evening of January 3. Key Impacts: hazardous driving conditions, traffic accidents.
Strong Wind Strong Wind
Strong winds, associated with a passing cold front, blew off the roof of a car wash located in the 800 block of North Main Street in Marion. Damage values are estimated.
Flood Flood
The South Fork Holston River at Riverside near Chilhowie (SHLV2) crested at 10.87 feet at 20:00 UTC/4:15 PM EDT on Sept. 27th due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. This is a new Flood-of-Record for this gage, with records dating back to October 1920. The disc…
Flash Flood Flash Flood
The Smyth County 911 Center reported that Staley Creek had risen significantly out of its banks, and was flooding across surrounding roads and properties. Nearly five inches of rain had fallen during the 24 hour period ending at 12 pm EDT on the 26th, causing Staley Creek to rise…
Flash Flood Flash Flood
The Smyth County Emergency Manager reported that two residents along Flat Ridge Road were rescued from their home when water from Cressy Creek rose up into their homes. Water was 6-12 deeper than normal around the home and was still rising at the time of rescue. No injuries were …
Flood Flood
Water from the South Fork Holston River rose up to the foundations of two homes in the 400 block of Riverside Road. One home was empty while the residents of the other home were evacuated as a precaution. The stage of the USGS gage of the South Fork Holston River at Riverside was…
Flash Flood Flash Flood
Intensifying rainfall rates resulted in several creeks rising several feet out of their banks within the community of Sugar Grove. Reports were received that more than one mobile home became flooded, forcing the residents to evacuate to higher ground. Around 5 inches of rain had …
Flash Flood Flash Flood
Heavy rain, falling at rates of about one inch per hour, resulted in renewed flash flooding across portions of Smyth. A portion of Highway 16 was partially washed out and significantly damaged sometime during the early morning hours of the 27th, exposing multiple utility lines be…
Flood Flood
The Smyth County 911 Center reported that two bridges had collapsed in the 130 block of Mulberry Lane in the Atkins area. The bridges provided access from the road to a couple of homes. Water had also risen to the level of the steps at one of the homes. The damage estimate is the…
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds onto a power line along Cliff View Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds, partially blocking Carlock Creek Road.
Flood Flood
Localized flooding occurred in the 700 block of Lee Highway given a poor drainage issue, possibly a partially blocked culvert. The road was passable to traffic after the high water receded. No damage was reported.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Two trees were downed by thunderstorm winds near Chilhowie, and the trees brought down a powerline, and blocked one lane of the road.
Hail Hail
Two inch diameter hail was observed along Flat Ridge Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Multiple trees were downed by thunderstorm winds along the Buchanan Highway at Hungry Mother State Park, some of which were partially blocking the road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A large tree limb was blown down into the road near the intersection of Upper Poor Valley Road and Saltville Highway, and another tree was blown down along the same road, taking down power lines and a power meter.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds downed a tree along Grindstead Hill Road near Whitetop Road, and another tree on Porter Valley Road, which completely blocked the roadway.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Thunderstorm winds downed a large tree across Route 745.
High Wind High Wind
Gusty winds blew down at least five trees across the county. The trees also took down three power lines as they fell.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
A few trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds, with one falling onto a power line, on East Main Street near the Holston River.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds onto a power line on Red Stone Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds blocking a lane of Scratch Gravel Road.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
One tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds along B. F. Buchanan Highway.
Heavy Snow Heavy Snow
Snow accumulations of four to eight inches fell across Smyth county, including a report of 8.0 inches in Marion. Key impacts: traffic delays and accidents as well as scattered power outages.
High Wind High Wind
High winds downed numerous trees and resulted in numerous power outages in Smyth County. The Red Stone area of Adwolfe and Thomas Bridge southwest of Marion suffered the most wind damage and power outages.
Drought Drought
Severe Drought conditions in place at the beginning of the month for the extreme southern portion of Smyth County improved on December 12th due to the passage of two low pressure systems crossing the lower Mid-Atlantic during the period of December 3rd to the 10th. These systems …
Events by year, as a table
| Year | Events | Tornadoes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 0 |
| 2024 | 26 | 0 |
| 2023 | 17 | 0 |
| 2022 | 19 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 | 14 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 |
| 2017 | 25 | 0 |
| 2016 | 9 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 0 |
| 2014 | 10 | 0 |
| 2013 | 12 | 0 |
| 2012 | 15 | 0 |
| 2011 | 25 | 2 |
| 2010 | 22 | 0 |
| 2009 | 19 | 0 |
| 2008 | 23 | 0 |
| 2007 | 14 | 0 |
| 2006 | 13 | 0 |
| 2005 | 15 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 | 0 |
| 2003 | 17 | 0 |
| 2002 | 9 | 0 |
| 2001 | 7 | 0 |
| 2000 | 6 | 0 |
| 1999 | 9 | 0 |
| 1998 | 14 | 0 |
| 1997 | 8 | 0 |
| 1996 | 14 | 0 |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 |
| 1975 | 3 | 3 |
| 1974 | 1 | 1 |
| 1972 | 2 | 0 |
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See every tornado that passed within 25 miles of a place in Smyth County, measured to its path.
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