Story by Bryan Hughes
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians should brace for a volatile weather day on Tuesday as a potent summer storm system sweeps across the Mountain State, bringing the threat of damaging winds, an isolated tornado or two, heavy downpours, and localized flash flooding.
Forecasters anticipate a 100% chance of precipitation across the region as a highly unstable airmass interacts with an approaching cold front. Short-range high-resolution modeling indicates that the primary squall line will initiate near the Ohio River by early afternoon.
Huntington to Wheeling will likely see the first severe impacts around 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., fueled by the localized warming effect of the Ohio River valley. As the line tracks east, it will encounter the Charleston metro area to Morgantown by late afternoon.
The atmosphere will maintain a damaging severe wind threat throughout the evening, with the tornado threat at any point in the afternoon.
By Tuesday evening, the line will push into the higher terrain. Elevations near Beckley will experience a drop in temperatures as the front passes, though the severe wind threat remains intact. Meanwhile, northern counties near Parkersburg and Clarksburg will battle a sharp moisture gradient, leading to rapid temperature swings and periods of torrential, blinding rain.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, monitor local warnings, and have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening.