More storms expected by weekend

A combination of overnight rain, thunder, lighting and wind briefly left town residents in the dark and forecasters say more severe weather is likely on the way.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Culpeper area through this afternoon. A flood watch means there is the potential for flood conditions based on current weather forecasts.

According to forecasters, the combination of multiple storms over the past week along with more approaching storms will create conditions that are favorable for flooding.

“It wouldn’t take a lot more rain to cause at least some minor flooding issues,” said Nikole Listemaa, a National Weather Service senior forecaster.

Town Director of Light and Power Mark Bly said about 50 customers in the South East Street and Asher Street areas lost power Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m. Their power was restored around 10:15 p.m.

And at Culpeper Regional Hospital, a maple tree fell victim to lighting in this week’s severe weather.

Hospital spokesman Abra Hogarth said the tree, located near the hospital’s main entrance, was about 60 years old. It was apparently struck in the roots and the lighting traveled up the tree, “peeling back the bark like a banana,” Hogarth said. “The good news is nobody was hurt, nothing else was involved,” Hogarth said.

Listemaa said that area storm spotters reported 0.75-inch hail near Rixeyville and Brandy Station following Wednesday’s storms and about 1.3 inches of rain were reported in Boston.

This afternoon, the weather service expects an 80-percent chance of rain, with highs near 62. Tonight, temps will fall to about 59 and up to two inches of rain is expected.

On Friday, look for highs near 68, with a 90 percent chance of rain expected. Friday night, the chance of rain continues with temperatures falling to around 58. Sunny skies are expected on Saturday with highs near 80, dropping to lows around 60 that evening.