Charleston, West Virginia – Strong thunderstorms could move across the lower Ohio Valley late Thursday evening, bringing the risk of 60 mph wind gusts along Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 before weakening overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a line of storms is expected to develop along an approaching cold front Thursday afternoon and track east into West Virginia during the evening hours. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could briefly become severe, especially across northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio before reaching western West Virginia.
The highest concern includes Huntington along I-64, Parkersburg near US-50 and Athens, Ohio along US-33. Damaging straight-line winds are the primary threat, though small hail and isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Storms are forecast to gradually weaken as they move east toward Charleston and Beckley later Thursday night.
Rain showers may begin earlier in the day, but the stronger activity is most likely between late afternoon and midnight. Motorists traveling on I-64, I-77 and US-35 should prepare for sudden downpours, gusty crosswinds and reduced visibility.
Residents are urged to stay weather aware Thursday evening and have multiple ways to receive warnings that can wake them up if storms persist overnight. The severe threat should diminish after midnight as the front pushes east, with cooler and quieter conditions returning by the weekend.
