Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia residents should prepare for a potentially impactful round of severe weather Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night as a powerful cold front brings the threat of damaging winds, torrential rainfall and isolated tornadoes across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, confidence is increasing that an unusually strong upper-level wind field will support severe thunderstorms developing Tuesday afternoon before moving southeast through Tuesday evening and overnight. While some uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing and location of the strongest storms, forecasters say all severe weather hazards are possible, with damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall posing the greatest threats.
Much of West Virginia is under a Level 2 of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe thunderstorms, including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Beckley, Elkins and surrounding communities. Stronger storms may also produce large hail, isolated tornadoes and frequent lightning.
An accompanying excessive rainfall outlook highlights much of the state for the potential of localized flash flooding, especially where repeated thunderstorms develop. Low-lying areas, small streams and poor-drainage locations could flood quickly during periods of intense rainfall, creating hazardous travel conditions on Interstates 64, 77, 79 and many secondary roads.
Residents should closely monitor forecast updates throughout Tuesday, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and identify a safe place to shelter before storms arrive. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued or roads become water-covered, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Additional Severe Thunderstorm Watches, Tornado Watches and Flash Flood Watches may be issued as confidence in the event continues to increase.
