StormTracker 8: Tornado Watch (west) until 8pm; Strong to severe thunderstorms 3PM to 9PM

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) - A Tornado Watch has been for the western part of Virginia until 8pm. This watch does include Buckingham county.

Today is a VIPIR Alert Day across Central Virginia for strong to severe storms. All modes of severe weather are in the forecast for Friday afternoon and evening. More on that below.

This afternoon, we will need our severe weather safety plan in place for strong to severe storms heading into the 8News viewing area, as we could be dealing with severe weather watches and warnings. Remember a watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to happen, while a warning means severe weather is imminent or happening currently.

The approximate timing of these storms is 3:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. from west to east. All modes of severe weather are on the table here; so damaging wind gusts of 60-70 MPH, heavy downpours, an isolated tornado or two, small hail and lightning are very possible this afternoon and evening. Power outages and ponding on roadways are very possible. Highs this afternoon will rise to around 80 degrees, under mostly cloudy skies and plenty of humidity around to lead to that heavy downpour threat later today.

Tonight, into Saturday morning calls for the showers and storms to be ending prior to Midnight tonight, leading to partly cloudy skies overnight and lows dipping down to 55 to 60 degrees. It will also turn breezy overnight tonight, as this powerful weather system that is bringing the strong to severe storm threat today pushes through the state of Virginia on Friday night.

Saturday’s forecast brings us another round of showers and storms to the 8News viewing area during the afternoon and evening hours tomorrow, with highs 75 to 80 degrees under partly sunny skies.

Sunday will be a beautiful day for outdoor activities, under partly sunny skies and highs in the middle 70s with less humidity around.

Monday will be another beautiful day for outdoor plans, under mostly sunny skies and highs near 80 degrees.

Next Tuesday through Thursday will all be hot days around 90 degrees with mostly sunny to partly sunny skies. Next Thursday and next Friday come with an isolated risk for late day showers and storms.