Charleston, West Virginia – Spring storms are set to shake up travel and safety across West Virginia, with the greatest threat arriving Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. Residents and commuters along I-64 and I-77 should prepare for heavy rain, strong thunderstorms, and the risk of flash flooding as a potent weather system targets the Charleston area and much of Kanawha County this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the most significant risk begins late Tuesday as showers and severe thunderstorms develop after 2 p.m., with a 70% chance of rain and possible damaging winds. Showers linger into Wednesday, and the threat for additional storms remains through Friday. Emergency officials advise limiting non-essential travel, especially during peak storm periods, and securing loose outdoor items to prevent wind damage. Power outages and ponding on major highways—including I-64, I-77, and US-60—are likely if the heaviest storms hit.
Monday will offer a brief break, with sunny skies and highs near 82°F before the unsettled pattern returns. Tuesday’s high is expected to reach 85°F, but the afternoon and evening hours bring rapidly worsening conditions. Wednesday and Thursday both feature a high chance of showers and thunderstorms, with locally heavy rainfall raising the risk for street and small stream flooding in Charleston, St. Albans, Nitro, and throughout Kanawha, Putnam, and Cabell counties.
Looking ahead, Friday will bring cooler temperatures and a 40% chance of showers as the system exits, but local rivers and creeks could still run high.
Stay weather aware throughout the week. Updates and potential additional alerts remain possible as this dynamic spring pattern unfolds across West Virginia.
