Top 5 Weather Events of 2006
The following is a list of the top five weather events in 2006 across the Blacksburg forecast
area as voted by the staff of the National Weather Service in Blacksburg:
Event Rank
Date(s) of Occurrence
Event Description
1
June 25-27
Widespread Flooding. Four to twelve inches of rain caused widespread flooding across much of the area. The only weather-related fatality of the year in our forecast area occurred during this event when a child was apparently washed into a drainage culvert in Alleghany County, Virginia. Damage from this event was estimated to be well over one million dollars. There were numerous reports of swift water rescues, roads flooded, mudslides, and property damage. Flooding occurred along the Dan, James, and Roanoke Rivers.
2
July 19
Severe Weather. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg issued 34 severe thunderstorm warnings during this event. Severe thunderstorms caused widespread wind damage. Perhaps the most notable damage was in Roanoke where straight line winds blew the roof off a museum, carrying debris into the parking lots of neighboring businesses.
3
April 14-20
Bull Mountain Wildfire. This fire was started by a lightning strike from a dissipating thunderstorm, and caused an estimated 39 million dollars in damage. Over 4000 forest acres of state and private lands were destroyed. 65 structures, including 3 homes, were destroyed, with 40 families evacuated.
4
February 4
Winter Tornadoes. Two tornadoes, rated F0 and F1 on the Fujita scale, touched down in Pittsylvania County, causing over $100,000 in damage and injuring one person.
5
April 7
Severe Weather. In Union, West Virginia, straight line winds blew the roofs off three homes and blew over a church steeple. Ping pong size hail also fell near Clifton Forge. In Buchanan, trees were blown into three vehicles. One occupant of a vehicle received minor injuries.