Charleston, WV – Residents across eastern Kentucky, western Virginia, southern West Virginia, far northeastern Tennessee, and far northwestern North Carolina are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 6:00 PM EDT Friday, with threats including damaging winds up to 80 mph, hail up to 2 inches in diameter, and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, an intensifying line of storms is moving east-southeastward from central Kentucky, bringing the potential for severe weather across the region. Cellular thunderstorms ahead of the main line may also produce large to very large hail.
In Kentucky, counties such as Laurel, Pulaski, and Whitley are included in the watch area. Virginia counties under the watch include Pulaski, Giles, and Montgomery, while in West Virginia, counties such as Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming are affected. Tennessee’s eastern counties, including Anderson and Morgan, are also under the watch.
Residents should prepare for the possibility of downed trees and power lines, property damage from hail, and rapidly changing weather conditions. It’s advisable to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
The severe weather threat is expected to persist through the evening hours. Stay alert for updates and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
