Despite prolonged periods of dry weather before the event, deep moisture from the Gulf of Mexico pooled across the lower Mid-Atlantic ahead of an approaching cold front.  Precipitable water values by the afternoon of July 1st were estimated to have reached the 1.8 to 2 inch range.  Strong afternoon heating, combined with steepened lapse rates associated with a passing upper level disturbance, produced a highly unstable atmosphere  causing localized wind damage from severe thunderstorms. While widespread rainfall was beneficial for most, thunderstorms began to train over a few locations, producing prolonged rainfall rates of 3 to as high as 5 inches per hour, resulting in flash flooding for some locations.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 07:00:00 to 02-JUL-21 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG VPI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The CoCoRaHS observer at Blacksburg 1.7 ESE recorded a 24-hour rainfall total of 4.37 inches.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 13:40:00 to 01-JUL-21 14:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An automated weather station on the campus of Virginia Tech University (KVABLACK72) observed 2.54 inches of rainfall inside of a 60 minute period, caused by training thunderstorm activity.  This amount is about a 100-year rainfall event per NOAA Atlas 14 point frequency estimates.  Rainfall rates at the time were measured to be as high as 5.7 inches per hour.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 13:44:00 to 01-JUL-21 14:29:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG VPI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An automated weather station in the community of Blacksburg (KVABLACK109) observed 2.29 inches of rainfall in a 45-minute period, caused by training thunderstorm activity. This amount is about a 100-year rainfall event per NOAA Atlas 14 point frequency estimates.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 07:00:00 to 02-JUL-21 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG VPI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

A 24-hour rainfall total, from 7:00 am EST on July 1st to 7:00 am EST on July 2nd, of 3.54 inches of rain was measured at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Blacksburg (NWS).  3.04 inches of rain was measured for the calendar day July 1st, 2021 at the NWS, a new record for the date.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 06:00:00 to 02-JUL-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUSTERS GATE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The CoCoRaHS observer at Blacksburg 2.4 ENE recorded a 24-hour rainfall total of 3.51 inches.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 20:30:00 to 01-JUL-21 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIDGEWAY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm winds blew two trees down on Morehead Avenue.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 06:00:00 to 02-JUL-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG VPI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The CoCoRaHS observer at Blacksburg 1.3 ESE recorded a 24-hour rainfall total of 4.05 inches.

Flash Flood in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 14:20:00 to 01-JUL-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Training thunderstorms dropped 2 to 3.5 inches of rain across the community of Blacksburg, with much of this rain falling within a 60-minute period. This caused flash flooding along Stroubles Creek, with rushing water at least a foot deep flowing across Duck Pond Drive and Plantation Road, causing both roads to be impassible.  Smithfield Road and Oak Lane were also covered by flowing water.  All roads were reopened after the flood waters receded.

Flood in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 18:45:00 to 01-JUL-21 20:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: STONES STORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A pond overflowed its banks due to heavy rainfall across Saddlebridge Road.  Water was only a few inches deep.  No damage was reported and the road was passable after the water receded.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 20:16:00 to 01-JUL-21 20:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: KOEHLER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree blown down from thunderstorm winds blocked A.L Philpott Highway near Summit Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 01-JUL-21 20:40:00 to 01-JUL-21 20:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: IRISBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down at the intersection of Martin Lane and Middle Creek Road.