CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia is bracing for severe weather today as the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for multiple counties across the state. This warning, effective Sunday, March 16, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, encompasses several areas, significantly raising concerns among residents.
The affected counties include Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mingo, Monongalia, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood, and Wyoming. With 39 of West Virginia’s 55 counties under the Tornado Watch, the potential for severe storms looms large.
The National Weather Service has categorized the region, stating southwestern West Virginia is under marginal risk for severe storms today, with the rest of the state placed under slight risk. Notably, Morgantown is facing enhanced risks of severe weather.
Residents are advised to stay alert for changing weather conditions. According to the NWS, "A tornado watch is issued when the NWS has determined conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur." Continuous monitoring of local forecasts is imperative as the weather develops throughout the day.
At just past noon, hefty winds from the late winter storm moving through the East Coast are expected to create hazardous conditions, as strong winds just above ground level could translate to damaging gusts at the surface. "There is a chance for strong, damaging winds on Sunday here in NCWV, but there is also the possibility of tornadoes," warned the National Weather Service. Meteorologists note the unique conditions enabling this severe weather risk involve rapidly changing wind directions and speeds, which create significant atmospheric disturbances.
By 2:25 PM on the same day, updates from the National Weather Service indicated progress, lifting tornado watches for multiple counties. Harrison, Doddridge, Taylor, Lewis, Braxton, Gilmer, Upshur, Barbour, Webster, and Nicholas counties have been relieved from the Tornado Watch. Currently, only Pocahontas and Randolph counties remain under the watch.
Reports also confirm the tornado watch has been lifted for Monongalia, Marion, and Ritchie counties, with many residents finally taking a sigh of relief. Their reprieve came as the weather evolved through the day, with the storm system moving through the Mountain State creating varying severe conditions. "Very strong winds through the atmosphere, especially just above ground level could pull down damaging winds to the surface," the NWS confirmed.
While current updates are relatively uplifting, it’s important to note the severity of the past predictions. Earlier forecasts had suggested greater risks, including tornadoes, based on atmospheric instability across the region. Damage from prior tornadoes has been infamous throughout West Virginia during this time of year, presenting consistent threats to public safety.
Residents are urged to stay cautious as they navigate through these weather challenges, keeping prepared for possible shelter as changing forecasts may resurge threats. The National Weather Service continues to relay important safety measures and stay connected to alerts as their skies evolve.
For now, though many watches have been lifted, the risks aren’t completely absent. Storm systems continue to brew as the NWS will monitor developing conditions. The situation may remain fluid as new updates come forth.
Wv News also reported heightened vigilance over these storms, stating, “Stormy weather is expected to impact West Virginia much of Sunday, with all counties expected to receive some form of inclement weather.” Therefore, thorough preparation remains key.
Residents should monitor updates from local meteorologists and the National Weather Service and remain aware of local shelter options. Even as parts of the state find some normalcy with watches lifted, the unpredictable nature of Mother Nature emphasizes the need for readiness.
All West Virginians are encouraged to have emergency plans during this turbulent weather and review safety strategies for potential severe weather moving forward.