Charleston, West Virginia – Strong thunderstorms could disrupt travel and outdoor plans by mid-afternoon Saturday as a cold front approaches the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, storms are expected to develop during the afternoon and continue into the evening, with the greatest impacts centered across much of West Virginia. Damaging wind gusts remain the primary concern, with storms capable of producing winds near 60 mph along with pockets of large hail.
Cities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Beckley may see storms develop after 2 p.m., with activity spreading east through the evening hours. The strongest storms are expected during peak daytime heating, increasing the risk for downed trees and isolated power outages along major routes such as I-64, I-77, and I-79.
The tornado risk appears lower across central and southern West Virginia, but increases farther north into the Northern Panhandle and western Pennsylvania.
Residents should secure outdoor items and monitor alerts through the afternoon and evening. Storm chances will diminish later Saturday night, though additional updates are possible if stronger storms develop.
