Charleston, W.Va. – Cooler air has moved into West Virginia Thursday, bringing relief from summer heat but also raising concerns for thunderstorms and possible flash flooding in the higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, while much of the state will remain dry, scattered showers and storms are expected across the southern and eastern mountains through Thursday evening. The areas most at risk include Beckley, Snowshoe, Marlinton, and nearby mountain towns, where isolated flash flooding cannot be ruled out due to locally heavy downpours.
Travelers along U.S. Route 19, Interstate 64 near Beckley, and mountain backroads should be alert for sudden changes in weather and possible water-covered roadways. Forecasters caution that even a brief storm could trigger localized flooding in valleys and poor drainage areas. Residents are advised to avoid driving through high water and to have alternate routes in mind.
While temperatures will hold in the comfortable mid-70s across much of the state, storm chances in the mountains will persist into the evening before tapering off overnight. Additional showers could return heading into the weekend.
Five Day Forecast for Charleston, WV
- Thursday: High 75, scattered storms in mountains, drier west.
- Friday: High 77, mostly sunny, isolated mountain shower.
- Saturday: High 80, partly cloudy, low rain chance.
- Sunday: High 82, warm, dry statewide.
- Monday: High 83, mostly sunny, light breeze.
