Isle of Wight and Surry counties may be spared the worst of strong storms forecast to move east through Virginia this evening, according to the National Weather Service

According to a Virginia Department of Transportation news release, forecasts show a line of strong storms will reach western areas of the state around 3 p.m. and move east, bringing widespread damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph in the central and western areas, and 60 to 70 mph gusts for most eastern areas. Intense rainfall could cause localized flooding. Large hail and brief spin-up tornadoes are also possible.

The NWS is predicting a 40% chance of severe thunderstorms with possibly damaging winds in Isle of Wight and Surry, mainly before midnight. Rainfall between a tenth and quarter-inch is possible.

VDOT is advising people to stay away from downed wires and to not approach or tough trees or limbs entangled with wires. If downed trees become entangled with wires on a state-maintained roadway, VDOT crews must wait for the power company to remove the electrical hazard before removing the debris.

Isle of Wight is also under a heat advisory through 7 p.m. Air temperatures are expected to peak at 94 degrees in Smithfield. Coupled with high humidity, this is projected to generate heat index values up to 107 degrees.