Alert archive / West Virginia / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2025

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 180, NWS Charleston, WV

May 16, 20254 counties in West Virginia

NWS Charleston, WV issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 16, 2025, 2:32 PM EDT for 4 counties in West Virginia. It was in force for 29 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued: May 16, 2025, 2:32 PM EDT (18:32 UTC)
Expired: May 16, 2025, 3:01 PM EDT
In force: 29 min
Issued by: NWS Charleston, WV
Area: Storm-based polygon
Hail: 0.75 in
Wind: 60.0 mph

Counties Barbour County, WV, Harrison County, WV, Randolph County, WV, Taylor County, WV

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 156 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:33 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Pittsburgh, PA (KPIT), launched 12:00Z, 6.5 hours before the alert went out and 142 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 1155 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -45 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 901 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 42 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 150 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 241 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.9
Supercell composite: 4.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Charleston, WV wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 16, 2:14 PM EDT, 18 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 16, 2:14 PM EDT, 18 minutes before

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Hazardous weather outlook, May 16, 11:18 AM EDT, 3 hours 14 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1118 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

OHZ066-067-075-076-083>085-WVZ008>011-016>020-027>032-039-040-
519>526-171530-
Perry-Morgan-Athens-Washington-Jackson OH-Vinton-Meigs-Jackson WV-
Wood-Pleasants-Tyler-Roane-Wirt-Calhoun-Ritchie-Doddridge-Clay-
Braxton-Gilmer-Lewis-Harrison-Taylor-Upshur-Barbour-
Northwest Nicholas-Southeast Nicholas-Northwest Webster-
Southeast Webster-Northwest Pocahontas-Southeast Pocahontas-
Northwest Randolph-Southeast Randolph-
1118 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast Ohio,
and portions of central, northeast, northern and southeast West
Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Rounds of strong to severe storms are possible today into tonight.
Damaging winds are the main threat, though large hail and tornadoes
could also occur. Heavier downpours or training thunderstorms may
also cause localized flash flooding, particularly in already
saturated areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Winds may become strong on Saturday, with peak gusts as high as 30
to 35 mph across the lowlands, and 40 to 45 mph across the highest
ridges. A wind advisory may be needed in the mountains if confidence
increases in higher gusts.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions by calling the toll-free spotter hotline, or by other
methods detailed at www.weather.gov/rlx/reports.

KYZ101-OHZ086-087-WVZ006-007-014-015-171530-
Greenup-Gallia-Lawrence OH-Cabell-Mason-Putnam-Kanawha-
1118 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast
Kentucky, portions of southeast Ohio, and portions of southern and
western West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

Rounds of strong to severe storms are possible today into tonight.
Damaging winds are the main threat, though large hail and tornadoes
could also occur.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Winds may become strong on Saturday, with peak gusts as high as 30
to 35 mph across the lowlands, and 40 to 45 mph across the highest
ridges. A wind advisory may be needed in the mountains if confidence
increases in higher gusts.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions by calling the toll-free spotter hotline, or by other
methods detailed at www.weather.gov/rlx/reports.

KYZ102-103-105-VAZ003-004-WVZ005-013-024>026-033-034-515>518-171530-
Carter-Boyd-Lawrence-Dickenson-Buchanan-Wayne-Lincoln-Mingo-Logan-
Boone-McDowell-Wyoming-Northwest Raleigh-Southeast Raleigh-
Northwest Fayette-Southeast Fayette-
1118 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 261 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast
Kentucky, southwest Virginia, and portions of southeast, southern
and western West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

 Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
 Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Winds may become strong on Saturday, with peak gusts as high as 30
to 35 mph across the lowlands, and 40 to 45 mph across the highest
ridges. A wind advisory may be needed in the mountains if confidence
increases in higher gusts.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions by calling the toll-free spotter hotline, or by other
methods detailed at www.weather.gov/rlx/reports.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 16, 12:07 PM EDT, 2 hours 25 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1207 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

VAZ003-004-161630-
Dickenson VA-Buchanan VA-
1207 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN DICKENSON AND BUCHANAN
COUNTIES THROUGH 1230 PM EDT...

At 1207 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Ashcamp, or 7 miles west of John Flannagan Lake, moving east at 45
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Clintwood, Grundy, Haysi, Breaks Interstate, John Flannagan Lake, Big
Rock, Clinchco, Stacy, Vansant, Hurley, Oakwood, and Roseann.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 600 PM EDT for
southwestern Virginia...and southern West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3715 8253 3720 8255 3724 8245 3727 8235
      3750 8202 3752 8196 3749 8195 3748 8199
      3747 8200 3746 8199 3744 8195 3715 8189
TIME...MOT...LOC 1607Z 257DEG 41KT 3727 8247

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

ABE

Special weather statement, May 16, 12:34 PM EDT, 1 hour 58 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1234 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

VAZ004-WVZ024-033-034-161715-
Buchanan VA-Wyoming WV-McDowell WV-Mingo WV-
1234 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL BUCHANAN...WESTERN
MCDOWELL...SOUTHEASTERN MINGO AND SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING COUNTIES
THROUGH 115 PM EDT...

At 1234 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Coleman, or 13 miles south of Williamson, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Grundy, Oceana, War, Hanover, R.d. Bailey Lake, Gilbert Creek, Big
Rock, Hinch, Gilbert, Davy, Bradshaw, Iaeger, Coal Mountain, Jolo,
Coalwood, Hurley, Avondale, Meador, Clear Fork, and Panther.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 600 PM EDT for
southwestern Virginia...and southern West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3723 8172 3724 8172 3723 8174 3731 8228
      3754 8197 3753 8201 3755 8204 3753 8205
      3756 8208 3755 8213 3757 8214 3759 8213
      3759 8216 3761 8217 3767 8183 3766 8181
      3768 8178 3770 8164 3721 8159
TIME...MOT...LOC 1634Z 263DEG 33KT 3748 8220

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

ABE

Special weather statement, May 16, 1:38 PM EDT, 54 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
138 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

WVZ019-020-031-161815-
Doddridge WV-Harrison WV-Ritchie WV-
138 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT RITCHIE...DODDRIDGE AND SOUTHERN
HARRISON COUNTIES THROUGH 215 PM EDT...

At 138 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles southwest of North
Bend State Park to 10 miles southeast of Harrisville. Movement was
northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Clarksburg, Harrisville, Stonewood, Nutter Fort, Salem, Pennsboro,
West Union, Anmoore, North Bend State Park, West Milford, Ellenboro,
Cairo, Pullman, Auburn, Wolf Summit, Pike, Berea, Highland,
Greenwood, and Blandville.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 near mile marker 118.
 Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 27 and 73.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3930 8089 3934 8083 3926 8025 3916 8056
      3917 8059 3910 8077 3911 8081 3907 8087
      3913 8131 3915 8133 3918 8130 3922 8129
      3935 8101 3934 8100 3934 8096 3935 8095
      3935 8088
TIME...MOT...LOC 1738Z 244DEG 31KT 3917 8126 3912 8088

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

FMK

Special weather statement, May 16, 2:08 PM EDT, 24 minutes before

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The office that day

Everything else NWS Charleston, WV issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
May 16, 7:01 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RLX	Wayne	29 min
May 16, 7:30 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RLX	Lincoln, Wayne	30 min
May 16, 9:08 AM EDT	Flood Watch	RLX	Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan and 7 more	19 hr
May 16, 12:34 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RLX	McDowell	41 min
May 16, 12:51 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RLX	McDowell	54 min
May 16, 1:38 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RLX	Doddridge, Ritchie	37 min
May 16, 1:48 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	RLX	McDowell	27 min
May 16, 1:54 PM EDT	Wind Advisory	RLX	Fayette, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Randolph, Webster	31 hr
May 16, 2:08 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	RLX	Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Taylor	52 min
May 16, 2:23 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RLX	McDowell	37 min
May 16, 2:59 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	RLX	McDowell, Raleigh, Wyoming	31 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in West Virginia, 2025 Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.