CHARLESTON, West Virginia — The calm won’t last. A powerful cold front is expected to slam into the region Tuesday afternoon, bringing with it the kind of storms that can turn dangerous within minutes.
The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — Level 3 out of 5 — for severe thunderstorms across much of West Virginia, with the threat extending into southeast Ohio and northeast Kentucky.
What You Should Expect Tuesday
Forecasters say confidence is growing that scattered to numerous severe storms will fire up ahead of the cold front during the afternoon hours and continue into Tuesday night.
The biggest threat is damaging straight-line wind gusts.
But large hail, isolated tornadoes, and localized flash flooding are also in play — especially where back-to-back storms roll over the same areas.
Heavy rain could overwhelm creeks, low-water crossings, and poor-drainage roads quickly and without much warning.
Who Is Most at Risk
Communities across West Virginia — including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, Elkins, and Morgantown — should expect rapidly changing conditions throughout the afternoon and evening.
Drivers on Interstates 64, 77, 79, and 68, as well as the West Virginia Turnpike, could face torrential rain, reduced visibility, downed tree limbs, and sudden flooding during the evening commute.
What to Do Before Tuesday Arrives
Use Monday’s quieter weather to get ahead of the storm.
Secure outdoor furniture, charge your phone and backup devices, and make sure you have more than one way to receive severe weather alerts — especially if you plan to be outdoors Tuesday afternoon.
Do not wait for the storm to arrive to make a plan. By then, it may be too late.
Are you in the path of Tuesday’s storms? Let us know in the comments and stay safe out there.
