Charleston, W.Va. – A tornado watch is in effect for much of West Virginia until 8 p.m. Friday as a line of strong to severe storms moves through the region, bringing the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 348 includes 23 counties from the Eastern Panhandle to southern coalfields, including Jefferson, Berkeley, Greenbrier, McDowell, and Raleigh. The watch was issued at 1:35 p.m. EDT and will remain active through this evening as storm cells continue developing along a warm front.
Communities from Elkins to Beckley and Lewisburg to Martinsburg could experience fast-moving storms capable of downing trees and power lines. Drivers along I-64 and I-81 should be prepared for sudden visibility drops and wind gusts topping 60 mph. Emergency managers urge residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings and to shelter indoors if a tornado warning is issued.
The tornado watch covers both rural mountain counties and more populated areas such as Martinsburg and Bluefield. This setup resembles previous late-spring storm patterns seen in 2021 and 2018.
Severe weather threats may persist through sunset. Additional watches or warnings could be issued later today.
