Flash Flood Warning 161, NWS Charleston, WV

690 
WGUS71 KRLX 170151
FFSRLX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
951 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

KYC019-043-089-127-OHC087-WVC099-170201-
/O.EXP.KRLX.FF.W.0161.000000T0000Z-260817T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Boyd KY-Carter KY-Greenup KY-Lawrence KY-Lawrence OH-Wayne WV-
951 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
BOYD, CARTER, SOUTHERN GREENUP, NORTHWESTERN LAWRENCE, SOUTH CENTRAL
LAWRENCE AND NORTHWESTERN WAYNE COUNTIES...

The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 800 AM EDT Monday for portions
of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3833 8325 3834 8323 3836 8324 3836 8323
      3843 8324 3844 8321 3845 8321 3845 8320
      3846 8320 3847 8319 3850 8319 3850 8317
      3852 8315 3853 8315 3853 8312 3855 8311
      3852 8257 3816 8242 3817 8292

$$

5

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
138 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
136 PM Update...
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for all of our SE Ohio
counties and a bulk of our West Virginia counties until 8 PM
tonight. ~18z aviation discussion update.

1204 PM Update...
Updates on flash flooding and severe potential for today and
tonight.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Flash flooding and severe weather are expected today with a
lingering, persistent active weather pattern. Repeated rounds of
heavy rainfall from training showers and thunderstorms could
rapidly lead to flash flooding, especially areas that are
already saturated and inundated.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...
136 PM Update...

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect in til 8 PM tonight.
This is for all of our southeastern Ohio and a majority of our
West Virginia counties, basically the I-64 corridor and north.
Lincoln, Boone, and Raleigh are also included. Seeing generous
convection forming across our western forecast area with
downburst wind gusts reaching the 40-50 mph range as reported by
a few ASOS sites. Expecting these storms to hold together and
even strengthen as they traverse the area ESEward.

The best wind dynamics will be situated across SE'rn Ohio and
northern West Virginia (especially the US-50 corridor) where
better wind shear (20-40 knots) is present. Rapid clearing is
occurring over the central lowlands and coalfields which will
build better instability through the afternoon. This will be
another area to watch later this afternoon and evening.

1204 PM Update...
Flash flooding concerns continue through tonight. Additional
rounds of showers and thunderstorms will move across the area
this afternoon and evening leading to additional or worsening
flooding. ~12z HRRR shows the next round forming to our west in
Ohio and subsequently moving west to east across our area later
this afternoon and evening. The ~12z NAM is concerning as it
shows the next round forming over Ohio and then tracking across
our area between 1 PM and 3 PM, offering only a small break
between our most recent deluge. It then shows another hefty
round later this evening through tonight.

Some of these storms could be on the strong to severe side
containing damaging wind gusts and of course heavy downpours. CAPE
is expected to be between 2,500 and 3,500 J/kg if timely clearing
occurs this afternoon. This is more than sufficient to spawn
widespread showers and thunderstorms, with scattered strong to
severe storms being a possibility.

There is the chance for a tornado or two to occur with any more
organized, clear-air storms. The main driver for this threat would
be if an additional surface low forms along the stationary front
currently bisecting the area. This would cause a backing in the wind
field increasing wind shear from 20-30 knots to at least 40-60
knots. Otherwise, damaging downburst winds and the heavy rainfall
will be the main concerns.

Current guidance suggests that at least another 1-2 inches of
rainfall will fall across the area through tonight. Locally higher
amounts between 3-5 inches could be possible somewhere in Ohio or
central/northern WV if the NAM solution is right. A flood watch goes
until 8 AM Monday to cover the likely additional flash flooding
later this afternoon through tonight. A rare moderate risk
(level 3/4) for excessive rainfall spans the bulk of WV with the
rest of the area in a slight risk (level 2/4).

Showers and thunderstorms are expected again for Monday, but the
severe threat and primary heavy rain threat shifts south of our
area as a cold front crosses. A marginal risk (level 1/4) for
excessive rainfall is still in place across our area for Monday
with a marginal risk (level 1/5) for severe weather covers our
VA and far southern WV counties.

A bit of a reprieve is expected behind this front for Tuesday
and Wednesday until another front crosses Thursday.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...

VFR and MVFR conditions are being reported across the area with
SCT to BKN CIGs between 1,000 and 9,000 feet AGL. Scattered to
numerous SH and TS expected this afternoon and tonight
containing damaging winds, heavy downpours, and a tornado or
two being possible.

Showers and storms continue tonight with widespread MVFR, IFR,
LIFR conditions expected with and after the activity moves out.
Instances of low stratus and river fog are likely behind these
showers and thunderstorms.

Winds will be mostly SW'rly and breezy this afternoon gusting
between 15 and 20 knots. Winds will be erratic and gusty in and
near any thunderstorms with damaging gusts possible with any
severe storms. Light and SW'rly winds expected tonight.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND ALTERNATE SCENARIOS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY...

FORECAST CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: Timing and location of showers and
thunderstorms will vary this afternoon and evening.

EXPERIMENTAL TABLE OF FLIGHT CATEGORY OBJECTIVELY SHOWS CONSISTENCY
OF WFO FORECAST TO AVAILABLE MODEL INFORMATION:
H = HIGH:   TAF CONSISTENT WITH ALL MODELS OR ALL BUT ONE MODEL.
M = MEDIUM: TAF HAS VARYING LEVEL OF CONSISTENCY WITH MODELS.
L = LOW:    TAF INCONSISTENT WITH ALL MODELS OR ALL BUT ONE MODEL.

UTC 1HRLY       16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   00   01   02   03
EDT 1HRLY       12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23
CRW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    M    H
HTS CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
BKW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
EKN CONSISTENCY  H    L    M    M    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
PKB CONSISTENCY  M    M    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
CKB CONSISTENCY  M    M    M    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H

AFTER 18Z MONDAY...
Chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms on Monday
leading to possible IFR CIGs/VIS. IFR or lower possible in
valley fog and low stratus Monday night and Tuesday morning.

&&

.RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WV...Flood Watch through Monday morning for WVZ005>011-013>020-
     024>032-034-039-040-515>526.
OH...Flood Watch through Monday morning for OHZ066-067-075-076-
     083>087.
KY...Flood Watch through Monday morning for KYZ101>103-105.
VA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...LTC
AVIATION...LTC

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston WV
640 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0634 PM     Flash Flood      1 SSE Pinch             38.39N 81.47W
08/16/2026                   Kanawha            WV   Trained Spotter

            Water rushing down the hill and flooding
            garage of a residence on Mountaineer Heights
            Drive near Indian Creek.

&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
647 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

KYZ102-162315-
Carter KY-
647 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN CARTER COUNTY
THROUGH 715 PM EDT...

At 646 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Elliottville, or near Olive Hill, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 55 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...
Olive Hill, Grayson Lake State Park, Haldeman, Grahn, Soldier, and
Globe.

This includes Interstate 64 in Kentucky between mile markers 150 and
153.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
northeastern Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3832 8332 3829 8302 3817 8296 3818 8299
      3820 8301 3820 8304 3818 8305 3823 8309
      3824 8314 3827 8317 3823 8322 3819 8323
      3819 8326 3822 8331 3826 8332
TIME...MOT...LOC 2246Z 269DEG 20KT 3823 8323

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

04

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston WV
648 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0729 AM     Flash Flood      2 S Philippi            39.12N 80.04W
08/16/2026                   Barbour            WV   911 Call Center

            Jonestown Mount Liberty Road flooded and
            impassable where it turns into Union Road at
            Independence Road in Independence. There was
            also a tree and utility pole down on Union
            Road. Delayed report.

&&

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston WV
650 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0729 AM     Flash Flood      5 NNE Philippi          39.21N 80.00W
08/16/2026                   Barbour            WV   911 Call Center

            Bridge along Arden Road flooded and
            impassable in 3900 block. Delayed report.

&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
653 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

WVZ008-014-015-162330-
Jackson WV-Kanawha WV-Putnam WV-
653 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN KANAWHA...PUTNAM
AND SOUTH CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTIES THROUGH 730 PM EDT...

At 653 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Milton, or 11 miles west of Winfield, moving east at 40 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...
Charleston, Nitro, Winfield, Jefferson, St. Albans, Dunbar,
Hurricane, Sissonville, Eleanor, Buffalo, Poca, Cross Lanes,
Institute, Kenna, Teays Valley, Culloden, Tornado, Bancroft, Liberty,
and Fraziers Bottom.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 77 in West Virginia near mile marker 106, and between
mile markers 108 and 127.
 Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 33 and 51.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central, western and northwestern West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3861 8202 3871 8160 3838 8163 3834 8204
      3841 8205
TIME...MOT...LOC 2253Z 266DEG 39KT 3848 8208

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

04

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
701 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

OHZ066-067-162330-
Morgan OH-Perry OH-
701 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN PERRY AND
NORTHWESTERN MORGAN COUNTIES THROUGH 730 PM EDT...

At 700 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 7 miles west of South Zanesville to near
Somerset. Movement was south at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
New Lexington, Somerset, Perry State Forest, Crooksville, and
Glenford.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3991 8217 3982 8217 3982 8208 3977 8208
      3976 8183 3968 8223 3991 8241 3992 8237
TIME...MOT...LOC 2300Z 344DEG 28KT 3992 8216 3986 8236

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

04