Charleston, W.Va. – A more active weather pattern is set to return across West Virginia late Monday, bringing multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall through Tuesday evening. The greatest concern begins Monday night and continues into early Tuesday before another round of storms develops Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, isolated strong to severe thunderstorms may develop Monday afternoon and evening, but the more widespread severe weather threat is expected late Monday night into early Tuesday morning as a complex of storms moves into the region. Another round of thunderstorms is forecast Tuesday afternoon and evening ahead of an approaching cold front.
Much of West Virginia is under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe weather Monday, with portions of western and northern West Virginia included in a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk. By Tuesday, the Slight Risk shifts across southern and eastern sections of the state while much of the remainder stays under a Marginal Risk.
The primary hazards with both rounds of storms will be damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. With recent wet conditions across the region, repeated rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, urban locations, and along creeks and small streams.
Communities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, Elkins, Clarksburg and surrounding areas should closely monitor forecasts through Tuesday. Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive, and avoid driving across flooded roadways if heavy rain develops.
Forecasters will continue refining the timing and severity of the storm threat, and additional watches or warnings may be issued as the system approaches Monday night and moves through the state Tuesday.
