Charleston, West Virginia – Two separate storm boundaries moving across the region today may trigger strong to severe thunderstorms, bringing gusty winds and lightning to travel routes across western West Virginia, northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio. The greatest potential for stronger storms will develop late this afternoon and again tonight as a warm front lifts north and a cold front arrives shortly after.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, storms could strengthen rapidly between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the potential for damaging wind gusts, small hail and cloud-to-ground lightning. Although the overall severe risk is categorized as marginal, forecasters caution that any storm that does intensify could produce isolated severe-level hazards. The coverage area includes cities and highway corridors along I-64, I-77, U.S. 52, U.S. 60 and U.S. 119.
Commuters traveling through Charleston, Huntington, Ripley and Gallipolis should prepare for quick shifts in visibility and sudden wind bursts along elevated stretches of interstate bridges. The evening round tied to the cold front may produce the strongest winds, especially in exposed areas along the Kanawha and Ohio River valleys.
Warm air ahead of the front will keep temperatures well above average for February, but a sharp cooldown arrives Friday into the weekend. Overnight lows heading into Sunday and Monday are expected to fall into the single digits, with morning wind chills dropping even lower in the higher terrain east of Interstate 79.
Emergency managers recommend having multiple ways to receive warnings today and avoiding outdoor activities during peak thunderstorm windows. Additional updates may be issued if storm intensity or coverage increases.
