Charleston, W.Va. – Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph could snap tree limbs and cut power across much of West Virginia before the evening commute ends Wednesday, with storms already building across central and western counties.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. for more than 40 counties, including Kanawha, Cabell, Monongalia, and Raleigh. Forecasters warn storms may rapidly intensify with frequent lightning, heavy rain, and isolated severe wind damage.
The greatest impact stretches along the I-64 and I-79 corridors, where cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown could see sudden downpours reducing visibility below a mile and creating hazardous driving conditions. In southern counties such as Logan and Wyoming, saturated ground raises the risk of trees falling onto roads and power lines.
Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during active storms. դպրոց districts and utilities are monitoring conditions for possible outages and delays.
Storm threats will taper after 8 p.m., but additional advisories could be issued if new cells redevelop into the evening hours.
