Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Severe thunderstorm called for tonightSuffolk and the Western Tidewater region face a high threat of severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service office in Wakefield. Additionally, the region is under a flood watch from 2 p.m. through 2 am. Tuesday morning.

The highest probability of the severe weather is from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday, NWS Meteorologist John McGee told the News-Herald. These storms may include strong gusty winds, frequent lightning, heavy rain and the potential for large hail.

McGee recommends that residents monitor for weather alerts the remainder of the day in the event a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

The NWS forecast for Suffolk said there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3 and 5 p.m. Monday afternoon, with some storms turning severe with heavy rain and lightning. Winds will be 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a 10th of an inch are expected, except for higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are expected, mainly before 2 a.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain, according to McGee and the NWS forecast. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible.

Due to the enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms, NWS issued a flood watch for Suffolk and the entire region. Again, the weather statement says the potential for severe thunderstorms with heavy rain is late afternoon through the evening hours.

“ Locally heavy rainfall could also lead to instances of flash flooding, especially in urban or poor drainage areas,” the NWS weather alert states. “Low-water crossings may also be flooded.”

In additional details with the alert, NWS said high resolution model guidance depicts that another 1 to 2 inches is possible in showers and thunderstorms today with isolated higher amounts also possible.

Weather Service officials urge residents to be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

For detailed weather information, visit weather.gov/akq or monitor National Weather Service radio.