Special Weather Statement until THU 4:15 PM EDT

What’s Happening:

A strong thunderstorm is moving northeast at 10 mph over Penhook. The storm is expected to impact the area through 4:15 PM EDT.

Affected Areas:

• Penhook
• Union Hall
• North Shore
• Southern Smith Mountain Lake
• Ajax
• Westlake Corner

What to Expect:

• Wind gusts up to 40 mph
• Hail up to half an inch in diameter
• Locally heavy rain reducing visibility

Impacts:

• Potential for knocked down tree limbs and unsecured objects being blown around
• Minor hail damage to vegetation
• Ponding of water on roadways and minor flooding in low-lying areas

Safety Tips:

• Slow down and use extra caution while driving to avoid hydroplaning.
• If you are on or near Smith Mountain Lake, move indoors or into a vehicle to avoid lightning.
• Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately.

When to Check Back:

Monitor weather.gov or thefranklinnewspost.com/weather for updates.

This weather alert was produced with AI assistance using National Weather Service data.