Charleston, WV – Scattered storms sweeping through West Virginia and neighboring states Friday afternoon could trigger isolated flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas.
According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, portions of the Ohio Valley, Central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic face a slight risk of excessive rainfall through Friday evening. Areas under this risk include parts of West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southwest Pennsylvania, and western Virginia. These storms may dump enough rain in a short time to overwhelm local drainage systems.
Cities like Charleston, Huntington, Roanoke, and Wheeling could see localized street flooding and hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the evening commute. Flash flooding is also possible near creeks and rivers, where runoff may rapidly rise.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, use multiple ways to receive alerts, and never drive through flooded roads. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains a key safety message, especially in areas prone to poor drainage or recent heavy rains.
The flash flood threat will diminish overnight, but more rainfall could develop over the weekend. Additional watches may be issued depending on storm tracks and ground saturation.
