Charleston, W.Va. – Residents across West Virginia will see two rounds of gusty showers and thunderstorms Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning that some storms could bring damaging wind gusts into the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the first wave of storms is moving in this morning with embedded thunderstorms tracking from west to east. A short break is expected late this morning, but another round of stronger storms is likely this afternoon into early evening, coinciding with the passage of a cold front.
Communities from Huntington through Charleston and eastward into Beckley and Elkins could face locally heavy rainfall, lightning, and wind gusts strong enough to cause isolated damage. Drivers along I-64 and I-79 should be alert for sudden downpours that reduce visibility and make travel hazardous. Power outages are possible in areas where winds bring down trees or power lines.
The Storm Prediction Center places the state under a Level 1 of 5 severe risk, meaning most residents will see beneficial rainfall but isolated severe storms cannot be ruled out. Officials urge residents to monitor the weather and be ready to take cover quickly if warnings are issued.
