Charleston, West Virginia – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across West Virginia Thursday afternoon and evening, bringing a risk of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes that could linger until midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a line of scattered thunderstorms will begin forming late Thursday afternoon (between 4–6 p.m.), pushing eastward into the evening hours. While the primary hazard is damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, forecasters are also monitoring the potential for hail and a low-end tornado risk, especially in the lowland areas stretching from Huntington to Charleston.
Communities in Kanawha, Cabell, and Raleigh counties are all under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather, with a Marginal Risk (Level 1) extending into portions of the eastern mountains. Morning and early afternoon hours may bring isolated storms, but the most significant activity is expected later in the day.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and prepare for potential power outages. Travel could be impacted along I-64 and US-119 during evening commutes as storms intensify.
Warnings may continue into the overnight hours, with further updates expected from the NWS Charleston office. Stay alert as more advisories could be issued this evening.
