Charleston, West Virginia – Thunderstorms packing 70 mph winds and large hail are expected across West Virginia this afternoon and evening, threatening power outages, road hazards, and flash flooding for millions through 10 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for 27 counties—including Berkeley, McDowell, Kanawha, and Monongalia—until 10 p.m. Damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, and hail up to one inch in diameter are possible as storms sweep from the Ohio border to the Eastern Panhandle. Multiple rounds of storms may impact U.S. Route 50, I-79, and the I-64 corridor, with reduced visibility and scattered debris possible.
Residents in Charleston, Morgantown, Beckley, and Elkins should secure outdoor objects, avoid non-essential travel, and prepare for sudden power loss. Emergency managers urge drivers to stay off flooded roadways and report downed trees or power lines to 911.
This is the region’s third severe weather watch in July, echoing a pattern of active summer storms. Conditions could change rapidly; additional warnings may be issued into the evening.
Warnings remain in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday. Stay tuned to local updates and be prepared for further advisories.
