Powerful storms, heavy downpour pound Central Virginia

Powerful storms threatened Central Virginia with tornadoes and flooding late Thursday, as pounding torrents of rain made it unfit out for man or beast.

As of 10:45 p.m., there had been no confirmed reports of a tornado, though conditions had been favorable for the formation of one. The rain, however, came fast and hard, sounding at times like a fast-moving river crashing over rocks. Various parts of the region fell under severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, and minor flooding already was being reported. Debris washed across the eastbound lanes of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, and other roads stood under water or mud.

Dominion Virginia Power worked to restore power to those for whom the storm had extinguished it. Outages were spotty.

Earlier in the evening, approximately 1,700 people found themselves trapped at the Charlottesville Pavilion. Country musician Gary Allan brought them to the Pavilion, but the precipitation kept them there, at least until Charlottesville officials decided it was best to evacuate.

Additional rainfall of one to two inches or more was likely, strong winds were expected and hail was possible. Forecasters predicted the rain would diminish overnight, with chances of more showers and thunderstorms this morning.