Charleston, West Virginia – Strong thunderstorms could disrupt evening plans as early as 5 p.m. Friday, with damaging wind gusts and hail posing the biggest risks across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Marginal Risk for severe storms covers most of West Virginia Friday afternoon through Friday night, with a second round expected Saturday evening. Wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph in stronger cells, with isolated hail also possible. Localized flooding may develop Saturday night where storms track repeatedly over the same areas.
Cities along the I-64 corridor, including Huntington, Charleston, and Beckley, face the highest chance for stronger storms Friday evening. Northern areas such as Parkersburg and Clarksburg remain in the risk zone into Saturday, while higher terrain near Elkins and Snowshoe could see slower-moving storms that increase rainfall totals.
Overnight, temperatures remain unusually mild, staying in the upper 50s to mid-60s, which will help fuel additional instability heading into the weekend rounds.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, monitor alerts, and be ready to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued. Avoid flooded roadways, especially Saturday night when water could cover low-lying routes.
Storm chances taper by Sunday afternoon as cooler air moves in, but additional advisories may be issued before then.
