Alert archive / Ohio / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 202, NWS Charleston, WV
NWS Charleston, WV issued this flash flood warning at Sep 12, 2026, 2:16 PM EDT for Gallia County, Jackson County, Lawrence County, Ohio; Mason County, West Virginia. It was in force for 3 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Sep 12, 2026, 2:16 PM EDT (18:16 UTC)
- Expired
- Sep 12, 2026, 5:02 PM EDT
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Charleston, WV
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
Counties Gallia County, OH, Jackson County, OH, Lawrence County, OH, Mason County, WV
The radar
The Charleston,WV radar (KRLX), 85 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:17 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 3:25 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 5 Nw Gallipolis, OH | US-35 closed west of SR-160 because of flooding. |
| Sep 12, 3:40 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 11 Ne Lake Vesuvius, OH | High water reported on SR 141 between Township Road 1081 and State Route 325, roadway is closed. |
| Sep 12, 4:20 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Sw Gallipolis, OH | High water reported on SR 588 and 2nd ave. |
| Sep 12, 4:20 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 5 Ese Rio Grande, OH | High water reported on SR 588 between SR 850 and 3rd Ave. |
| Sep 12, 4:30 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | Cheshire, OH | High water reported on SR 554. Roadway is closed between Cheshire and Rio Grande. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 5 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 69 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), launched 12:00Z, 6.3 hours before the alert went out and 133 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 516 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -44 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 504 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 22 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 85 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 108 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 1.1
The text
As transmitted.
763
WGUS51 KRLX 121816
FFWRLX
OHC053-079-087-WVC053-122115-
/O.NEW.KRLX.FF.W.0202.260912T1816Z-260912T2115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Charleston WV
216 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Gallia County in southeastern Ohio...
Southeastern Jackson County in southeastern Ohio...
Central Lawrence County in southeastern Ohio...
Northwestern Mason County in western West Virginia...
* Until 515 PM EDT.
* At 216 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain
have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Ironton, Point Pleasant, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, Lake Vesuvius,
Gallia, Vernon, Waterloo, Henderson, Vinton, Hanging Rock,
Cheshire, Adamsville, Gage, Centerpoint and Pedro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
Report flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free,
800 401 9535, when you can do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 3891 8245 3898 8239 3895 8210 3885 8209
3876 8222 3870 8234 3866 8245 3857 8259
3854 8270 3856 8273 3856 8276 3858 8278
3860 8274 3864 8277 3868 8276 3868 8271
3875 8270 3875 8266 3882 8265
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
012 follow-up statements
362
WGUS71 KRLX 122018
FFSRLX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
418 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
OHC087-122028-
/O.CAN.KRLX.FF.W.0202.000000T0000Z-260912T2115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lawrence OH-
418 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR CENTRAL LAWRENCE COUNTY...
Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to
heed remaining road closures.
A Flood Watch remains in effect until 100 AM EDT Sunday for portions
of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and West Virginia.
&&
LAT...LON 3886 8251 3890 8247 3891 8245 3898 8239
3895 8210 3885 8209 3876 8222 3870 8234
$$
OHC053-079-WVC053-122115-
/O.CON.KRLX.FF.W.0202.000000T0000Z-260912T2115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gallia OH-Jackson OH-Mason WV-
418 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR CENTRAL GALLIA, SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON AND NORTHWESTERN
MASON COUNTIES...
At 418 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain have
fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Point Pleasant, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, Henderson, Vinton,
Cheshire, Adamsville, Gage and Centerpoint.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
Report flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free,
800 401 9535, when you can do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 3886 8251 3890 8247 3891 8245 3898 8239
3895 8210 3885 8209 3876 8222 3870 8234
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
01801
WGUS71 KRLX 122102
FFSRLX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
502 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
OHC053-079-WVC053-122112-
/O.CAN.KRLX.FF.W.0202.000000T0000Z-260912T2115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gallia OH-Jackson OH-Mason WV-
502 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR CENTRAL GALLIA, SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON AND
NORTHWESTERN MASON COUNTIES HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A FLOOD WARNING...
Life threatening flash flooding and heavy rainfall has ended, however
numerous roads remain closed due to high water. Do not attempt to
drive through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3886 8251 3890 8247 3891 8245 3898 8239
3895 8210 3885 8209 3876 8222 3870 8234
$$
01What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood 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 flash flood warning went out at Sep 12, 1:42 PM EDT, 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1) A Flood Watch remains in effect for most of the forecast area until 1 AM EDT tonight. 2) Additional chances for showers and thunderstorms remain forecast for Sunday as a cold front moves in from the northwest.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 12, 1:42 PM EDT, 34 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
142 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Aside some minor tweaks, the forecast involving the heavy rain
potential for this afternoon and tonight remains on track. The Flood
Watch remains unchanged. The forecast for Sunday and beyond also
remains on track.
18Z aviation forecast has been issued.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1) A Flood Watch remains in effect for most of the forecast area
until 1 AM EDT tonight.
2) Additional chances for showers and thunderstorms remain forecast
for Sunday as a cold front moves in from the northwest.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...
15Z upper air analysis depicts a progressive troughing pattern
across the eastern half of North America, featuring a longwave
trough pivoting into Ontario and a shortwave trough ejecting into
the TN River Valley. The latter feature is beginning to become
absorbed into the longer-wave trough to the north, with a wide
baroclinic leaf evident on water-vapor imagery that was advecting
over the OH River Valley and into the CWA. Observations outside of
WFO RLX confirm that the leading band of moist, isentropic ascent in
the mid-levels has arrived via the presence of altostratus and
ACCAS; and gradual destabilization of the airmass will continue to
occur given the presence of the high-level cirrus deck. Meanwhile,
elevated clusters of showers and thunderstorms were ongoing across
southeastern OH, and may clip the northwestern counties. The 12Z
objectively analyzed UA charts indicated a sharply cyclonic
component to the southern-stream trough at 250 mb, with a belt of
southwesterly flow between 30-40 kt within the 300-200 mb layer
before weakening near 500 mb where broader concavity to the trough
exists. High humidity was also observed within the high-level theta
surfaces, amidst a very tall and skinny EML (i.e., RAOBs from nearby
WFOs observed the top of the EML as high as 175 mb) in congruence
with the vigorous, moist ascent. The shortwave trough is also now
completely open compared to yesterday, with the remnant vorticity
lobe rotating over central TN. This feature will eject northeastward
over the CWA throughout the next 12 hours before quickly exiting to
the northeast as its absorption into the aforementioned longwave
trough over east-central Canada is completed.
At the surface, the warm front is now crossing north of the I-64
corridor, and it will continue to increase in forward speed as it
advects northeastward across the CWA. The closest cyclone is either
on the lee of the Appalachian Mountains or in the Upper Midwest,
thereby leaving the CWA within a broad, open moist sector as the
warm front lifts northeastward, with dewpoints hovering in the lower
70s area-wide. Strong heating is also underway, although the fairly
opaque cirrus shield has prevented full insolation from occurring,
and temperatures are expected to peak in the middle 80s. Low-level
convergence of the higher theta-e air may spawn a surface low
beneath the intensifying belt of divergence aloft and serve as a
foci for organized bands of torrential rainfall. Mean wind vectors
throughout the cloud-bearing layer are also oriented out of the
southwest at about 20 kt per the 12Z RAOBs from WFOs ILN and RNK,
which is parallel to the steering flow, and will pose a risk for
cellular training.
Anomalously high PWAT values approaching 2.00", combined with MLCAPE
values between 1,500-2,000 J/kg and cloud-layer shear magnitudes of
25-30 kt, in conjunction with the parallel convective movement
relative to the mean wind, has resulted in high confidence for
multiple episodes of flash flooding this afternoon and tonight
across the CWA. Instantaneous rain rates may exceed 2"/hr with the
strongest storms. The Flood Watch remains in effect for all counties
except Pocahontas County until 1 AM EDT tonight. In addition to the
flash flooding risk, locally strong-to-severe-caliber wind gusts
cannot be ruled out with the best-organized storms, but the threat
this afternoon and tonight is geared towards flash flooding. Storms
will wane from west-to-east late tonight, followed by widespread fog
and low-level stratus during the predawn hours Sunday.
KEY MESSAGE 2...
The base of the longwave trough over east-central Canada will dig
into the Great Lakes region Sunday, with the respective synoptic
cold front currently located in the Upper Midwest expected to move
into the CWA late Sunday afternoon. Prior to the arrival of the
front, thick, low-level stratus and fog will be intact area-wide
during the morning hours. Mixing of the airmass will be gradual,
with most of the fog and/or low stratus dissipating by the latter
half of the morning. Highs will breach into the middle 80s once
again Sunday, with the airmass remaining capped near 700 mb and
suppress any bubbling of boundary-layer cu. The most substantial
large-scale forcing for ascent will be displaced well to the north
of the CWA; however, frontogenetical forcing along the weakening
cold front may result in broken line of showers and storms late
Sunday evening into early Monday morning. Diabatic stabilization
will result in a gradual cessation of lightning, but brief downpours
may still accompany showers overnight Sunday into Monday, with a
much lower risk for flash flooding, if any. Intrusion of a 1026 mb
surface anticyclone will result in a milder day Monday before
temperatures heat up mid-week as a subtropical ridge rotates
eastward across the Deep South. Renewed rain chances are forecast
heading into the middle of next week.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Numerous SHRA/TSRA are expected to form this afternoon and last into
tonight, affecting all terminals. IFR or lower will accompany TSTMs,
with surface wind gusts >30 kt possible. Coverage of TSTMs will wane
from west-to-east after dark; however, IFR/LIFR CIGs and VSBYs are
forecast to evolve late tonight and through the predawn hours
Sunday. BLO MINS may occur, with a return to VFR at all terminals
late Sunday morning. Otherwise, winds this afternoon will prevail
from the south-southwest at 7-10 kt, with an overcast MVFR/VFR deck
outside of any SHRA/TSRA.
FORECAST CONFIDENCE: High.
ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: The magnitude of CIG/VSBY restrictions with
TSTMs and the timing of when TSTMs end tonight may vary from what
is forecast.
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 18 19 20 21 22 23 00 01 02 03 04 05
EDT 1HRLY 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 00 01
CRW CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H M M L
HTS CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H H M M
BKW CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H M H H L
EKN CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H M M L
PKB CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H H H L
CKB CONSISTENCY H H H H H H M H H H M M
AFTER 18Z SUNDAY...
VFR, with light, westerly winds are forecast Sunday afternoon. A
cold front will approach from the northwest late Sunday afternoon,
with additional -SHRA/-TSRA possible.
&&
.RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WV...Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Sunday for WVZ005>011-013>020-
024>034-039-040-515>522-525-526.
OH...Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Sunday for OHZ066-067-075-076-
083>087.
KY...Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Sunday for KYZ101>103-105.
VA...None.
&&
DISCUSSION...Sincavage
AVIATION...SincavageIn the hours before
Special weather statement, Sep 12, 1:02 PM EDT, 1 hour 14 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
102 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
KYZ101-OHZ087-121715-
Greenup KY-Lawrence OH-
102 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL GREENUP AND WEST
CENTRAL LAWRENCE COUNTIES THROUGH 115 PM EDT...
At 102 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Greenup, or near Ironton, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Ironton, Lake Vesuvius, Greenup, Flatwoods, Russell, Raceland,
Worthington, Wurtland, Hanging Rock, and Pedro.
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.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3859 8289 3861 8286 3858 8284 3857 8281
3860 8274 3865 8277 3867 8276 3868 8275
3868 8271 3871 8270 3872 8269 3853 8252
3850 8281
TIME...MOT...LOC 1702Z 241DEG 16KT 3856 8276
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
01Special weather statement, Sep 12, 2:07 PM EDT, 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
207 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
OHZ085-086-WVZ007-121830-
Meigs OH-Gallia OH-Mason WV-
207 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT CENTRAL MEIGS...NORTHEASTERN
GALLIA AND NORTHWESTERN MASON COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM EDT...
At 207 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Rio Grande, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Point Pleasant, Gallipolis, Pomeroy, Rio Grande, Racine, Rutland, New
Haven, Mason, Middleport, Syracuse, Hartford City, Henderson,
Cheshire, Adamsville, Lakin, Letart, and Kyger.
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.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3915 8208 3899 8177 3897 8178 3895 8178
3894 8181 3895 8182 3893 8184 3875 8229
3886 8241
TIME...MOT...LOC 1807Z 222DEG 27KT 3883 8230
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
01The office that day
Everything else NWS Charleston, WV issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 1:02 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Lawrence | 13 min |
| Sep 12, 2:07 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Gallia, Meigs | 23 min |
| Sep 12, 2:37 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | Athens, Gallia, Meigs, Washington | 3 hr |
| Sep 12, 3:33 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | Athens, Meigs, Washington | 111 min |
| Sep 12, 5:02 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | RLX | Gallia, Jackson | 15 hr |
| Sep 12, 5:16 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | RLX | Athens, Gallia, Meigs, Washington | 15 hr |
| Sep 12, 5:24 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | RLX | Athens, Meigs, Washington | 15 hr |
| Sep 12, 2:32 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | Braxton | 7 hr |
| Sep 12, 3:23 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Wood | 37 min |
| Sep 12, 3:45 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Taylor | 30 min |
| Sep 12, 3:55 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | RLX | Barbour, Taylor | 18 min |
| Sep 12, 4:08 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Boone | 37 min |
| Sep 12, 4:45 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | Clay, Kanawha, Roane | 3 hr |
| Sep 12, 5:00 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | RLX | Gilmer | 30 min |
| Sep 12, 5:04 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Lewis, Ritchie, Roane | 119 min |
| Sep 12, 7:03 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | RLX | Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Ritchie and 1 more | 13 hr |
| Sep 12, 7:36 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | RLX | McDowell | 3 hr |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Ohio, 2026Flash Flood Warnings in West Virginia, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.