Hey, West Virginia! Get ready—there’s some rough weather heading our way. A storm system is moving in, and it’s going to bring some serious thunderstorms, starting Thursday night and sticking around until Monday morning. We’re talking heavy rain, strong winds, and even the possibility of tornadoes. It’s going to be a challenging few days, so it’s best to prepare now.
When Will the Storms Hit?
The storms are set to roll in Thursday night, first hitting the western parts of West Virginia, and then moving east as the night goes on. The most intense weather will likely be Friday and Saturday, but keep your guard up through Monday morning. While the storms may vary in intensity depending on where you live, the entire state could be impacted in one way or another.
What Can You Expect?
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Heavy Rain: We’re looking at 1 to 3 inches of rain over the next several days, which may seem manageable at first, but it could lead to localized flooding—especially in areas with poor drainage or near rivers. Some roads could get flooded, making travel difficult, especially in cities that have drainage systems that can’t keep up.
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Strong Winds: Winds could gust up to 60 mph, which is strong enough to bring down trees, power lines, and debris. This could lead to power outages, so be prepared. The wind will be strong enough to cause damage, so keep an eye out for falling branches or anything else that could get tossed around.
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Tornado Threat: Tornadoes aren’t guaranteed, but they’re possible with this storm system. Along with the tornado threat, hail and lightning could also make things dangerous. If you’re in a spot that tends to see these types of storms, be especially cautious.
How to Stay Safe
You might feel like you’re used to West Virginia’s weather, but this is one of those storms you’ll want to take seriously. Here’s how you can stay safe and make sure you’re ready:
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Stay Informed: With storms like these, conditions can change fast. It’s important to keep your weather radio or smartphone nearby for updates on any warnings or alerts. Tornado warnings, flash flood alerts, and severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued quickly, so stay in the loop.
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Prepare for Power Outages: With the wind gusts that could come through, power outages are a real possibility. Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable charger for your phone. If you have medical devices that rely on electricity, have a backup plan in place. If you have neighbors or family members who might need help, check on them, too.
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Avoid Driving: If you can, stay off the roads during the worst parts of the storm. Flooding and debris can make driving extremely dangerous. If you really need to head out, don’t drive through flooded roads, and be cautious of downed trees or power lines. Keep your headlights on, and take your time.
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Secure Outdoor Items: High winds mean that anything loose outside could get blown around. Lawn furniture, trash cans, and other outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles. Bring them inside or tie them down securely to avoid damage.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit: Now’s a great time to check your emergency kit. If you don’t have one, gather the essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and a first-aid kit. It’s better to have everything ready than find yourself scrambling when the power goes out or the storm gets worse.
What to Do if a Tornado Warning is Issued
If the weather turns severe enough that a tornado warning is issued, don’t wait—seek shelter immediately. If you have a basement or storm cellar, head there. If not, go to the most interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows—places like bathrooms or closets are good options. Cover yourself with something heavy like a mattress or blankets to shield yourself from flying debris.
Be Ready—Things Could Change Fast
Weather like this can change quickly, so make sure you’re always updated with the latest forecasts. Even though the worst of the storm is expected Friday and Saturday, there’s no guarantee that things won’t escalate sooner than expected.
Make sure your family knows where to go and what to do if things get really bad. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Wrapping Up
In short, West Virginia, we’re in for a pretty wild ride. The storm system moving in will bring heavy rain, high winds, and the potential for tornadoes, and it’s expected to last from Thursday night through Monday morning. Flooding, power outages, and fallen trees are all possible, so it’s best to prepare now rather than wait until the last minute.
