Charleston, West Virginia – Drivers across West Virginia should remain alert today as multiple rounds of thunderstorms increase the risk of flash flooding this morning before another round of potentially severe storms develops this afternoon. Heavy rainfall could quickly overwhelm low-lying areas, while damaging wind gusts become the greatest concern later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a complex of thunderstorms will move from northwest to southeast across the state between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., producing periods of heavy rain capable of localized to isolated flash flooding. A cold front moving through the region this afternoon may spark another round of strong to severe thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. if the atmosphere becomes unstable after the morning rainfall.
A Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms covers portions of southern and eastern West Virginia, including areas near Beckley, Sutton and Snowshoe, while the remainder of the state remains under a marginal risk. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary hazard, with hail also possible. Forecasters say an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, although the overall tornado threat remains low.
Communities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Clarksburg and surrounding areas could see rapidly changing weather conditions that affect travel during both the morning and evening commutes. Water may collect quickly on roads prone to flooding, and strong wind gusts could bring down tree limbs or cause isolated power outages.
Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways, secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings throughout the day. Additional flood or severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued as storms develop and move across the state.
