Charleston, West Virginia – Strong storms are expected to sweep across West Virginia starting around 6 p.m. Tuesday, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes through early Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a slight risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued for northwestern and western parts of the state, including areas near Parkersburg, Wheeling, and Fairmont. Meanwhile, locations stretching eastward toward Morgantown and Martinsburg are under a marginal risk. The most intense weather is likely between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Residents in cities like Huntington, Charleston, and Clarksburg should be prepared for strong wind gusts capable of causing tree damage and power outages. Flash flooding in low-lying areas and large hail are also possible. Authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, securing outdoor objects, and having multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight.
This system mirrors severe setups seen in past late-April outbreaks across the region, though meteorologists stress the scattered nature of the storms will vary locally. Areas along I-79 and I-70 could experience the greatest impacts during the overnight hours.
Severe weather watches and warnings may be issued as storms develop Tuesday evening. Stay tuned to local updates, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power interruptions.
