Virginia Beach, VA Lightning Strike Map

Real-time lightning tracking for Virginia Beach, Virginia. This city averages 35 thunderstorm days per year, making lightning awareness important for Virginia Beach residents and visitors.

320
strikes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
320 strikes
Last strike
37 min ago
Updated
just now

Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Virginia Beach, VA.

Map loading…
Bolts show recent NOAA GOES-19 GLM flashes. Lime = newest, red = 1-6h, grey = older. Zoom in for individual strikes.
Location 36.85°N, 75.98°W
State Virginia
Storm Activity moderate
35
Storm Days/Year
450K
Population
37
State Average

Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 GLM and the Storm Prediction Center.

Real-Time Lightning Near Virginia Beach

Monitor live lightning strikes and approaching storms

Live Lightning Data for Virginia Beach

Download the mobile app for live alerts, then use this city page plus the nearby-lightning and alert guides to make faster weather and safety calls in Virginia Beach.

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Thunderstorm Season in Virginia Beach

When to expect lightning activity in Virginia Beach, VA

Thunderstorm season in Virginia Beach spans from April through September. Peak lightning activity occurs in June and July, when warm, moist air from the south collides with cooler air masses. Spring severe weather season from March through May can produce dangerous storms.

35 annual thunderstorm days in Virginia Beach

Compared to the national average of approximately 25 thunderstorm days per year, Virginia Beach sees 10 more days of thunderstorm activity. The Virginia statewide average is 37 days.

Lightning Safety Tips for Virginia Beach

Essential guidelines to stay safe during thunderstorms

30-30 Rule

When you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, get indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.

Seek Shelter

With 35 thunderstorm days annually, residents of Virginia Beach should always have a shelter plan. Move inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.

Stay Informed

Use Lightning Tracker to monitor real-time lightning near Virginia Beach. Set alerts for your neighborhood to get advance warning of approaching storms.

Avoid Open Areas

Stay away from open fields, hilltops, isolated trees, and bodies of water during storms. If hiking, descend from ridges and peaks immediately.

Virginia Beach Lightning FAQ

Fast answers for live lightning, storm season, and safety in Virginia Beach

How many thunderstorm days does Virginia Beach, Virginia get per year?

Virginia Beach averages 35 thunderstorm days per year. The national average is approximately 25 days, and the Virginia statewide average is 37 days.

When is thunderstorm season in Virginia Beach?

Thunderstorm season in Virginia Beach spans from April through September. Peak lightning activity occurs in June and July, when warm, moist air from the south collides with cooler air masses. Spring severe weather season from March through May can produce dangerous storms.

What should I do if caught in a lightning storm in Virginia Beach?

Follow the 30-30 rule: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. With 35 thunderstorm days annually in Virginia Beach, always have a shelter plan. Move inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.