Tornado Warning Issued for Charlottesville and University of Virginia as Radar Detects Rotation

A Tornado Warning has been issued for Charlottesville, the University of Virginia and Pantops, Virginia, as radar detects rotation capable of producing a tornado.

The warning remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. EDT Friday.

The National Weather Service says the storm may also produce ping-pong ball-sized hail.

More than 121,000 people are within the warned area, including 18 schools and three hospitals.

Residents in Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, Pantops, Rio, Barracks and Shadwell should immediately move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

People outdoors, in vehicles or in mobile homes should seek substantial shelter immediately and protect themselves from flying debris.

Because the tornado threat is radar-indicated, conditions can deteriorate rapidly even if a tornado is not yet visible.