Heat advisory now, small chance of damaging storms this afternoon

A Heat Advisory is in effect through this evening for most areas excluding Nelson and Augusta counties, as well as the central and northern VA Blue Ridge, according to a National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook released at 11:27 a.m. Wednesday.

In addition, severe thunderstorms are possible between 4 PM and 8 PM, mostly north of US-48, which crosses Virginia just south of Winchester and Stephens City.

Damaging winds are the primary threat, and a tornado or two are also possible.

Locally, the forecast calls for likely showers and thunderstorms between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., after a party sunny afternoon with a high near 91.

The heat index values will be as high as 100.

New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Heat advisory now, small chance of damaging storms this afternoon