Charleston, W.Va. – Strong storms are expected to sweep across West Virginia on Thursday, with damaging wind gusts posing the main threat as a cold front pushes through the state. Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms could impact both evening commutes and late-night travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, showers and storms will build west to east Thursday afternoon into evening. Wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines are possible, especially across central and southern counties including Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley. Rain chances climb as high as 95% in Beckley and 90% in Huntington, tapering off gradually overnight.
Localized flooding and small hail cannot be ruled out, but meteorologists emphasize damaging winds as the greatest hazard. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge devices in case of power outages, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm activity.
Conditions are expected to improve by Friday morning, though another, weaker cold front will swing through Saturday, bringing scattered showers before dry weather takes hold Sunday into next week.
