Flash Flood Warning 5, NWS Charleston, WV

320 
WGUS71 KRLX 240050
FFSRLX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
850 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

OHC053-087-WVC053-240230-
/O.CON.KRLX.FF.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260524T0230Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gallia OH-Lawrence OH-Mason WV-
850 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR CENTRAL GALLIA, CENTRAL LAWRENCE AND WEST CENTRAL MASON
COUNTIES...

At 850 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms produced heavy
rain across the warned area earlier this evening. Between 1.5 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...
  Gallipolis, Lake Vesuvius, Waterloo, Aid, Gage, Gallopolis Ferry
  and Pedro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.

Report flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free,
800 401 9535, when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3877 8248 3889 8229 3880 8211 3850 8256
      3863 8271

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

14

931 
WGUS71 KRLX 240222
FFSRLX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1022 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

OHC053-087-WVC053-240232-
/O.EXP.KRLX.FF.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260524T0230Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gallia OH-Lawrence OH-Mason WV-
1022 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1030 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
CENTRAL GALLIA, CENTRAL LAWRENCE AND WEST CENTRAL MASON 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 1100 PM EDT for portions of
northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3877 8248 3889 8229 3880 8211 3850 8256
      3863 8271

$$

11

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
333 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
The Storm Prediction Center continues to highlight an Isolated
Tornado as the main threat associated with the Marginal Risk
for Severe Thunderstorms in Ohio this afternoon and evening,
although strong to isolated damaging wind gusts are also
possible. In addition, this threat will most likely be
associated with a line of convection moving slowly across
southeast Ohio this afternoon and evening. Heavy downpours
within this slow moving line could also lead to localized flash
flooding.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) A waffling front in / near the area and mid-level waves
  will keep clouds, showers, and the chance for mainly
  afternoon and evening thunderstorms, around through the
  Holiday weekend. Rainfall could be locally heavy at times
  leading to flooding concerns, especially in areas that have
  recently received heavy rainfall. A Flood Watch for Flash
  Flooding remains in effect for the middle Ohio Valley until 11
  PM tonight.

- 2) The chance for showers and thunderstorms continues for the
  start of the upcoming work week, with drying possible later
  in the week.

- 3) Temperatures hover above normal through the Holiday
  weekend and upcoming short work week, before returning to near
  normal next weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...

The next round of mid-level flat waves amid ongoing south to
southwest mid/upper-level flow, and a psuedo cold front trailing
from a weakening surface low pressure center heading north through
the eastern Great Lakes, continue to support lines of
convection in the middle Ohio Valley this afternoon and evening.
A line of showers right ahead of this boundary marched across
Ohio this morning and into the forecast area this afternoon,
while another forming farther southeast was slithering up along
the Ohio River.

Afternoon heating ahead of these lines took temperatures up to
near normal for highs, higher than the past two days. This,
along with dewpoints in the mid to upper 60s, has generated
CAPE of 500-1000 J/kg, with a sliver of as much as 1500 J/kg in
southeast Ohio. While not enough through the hail growth layer
for large hail, modest 0-6/8 km bulk shear aoa 30 kts and
especially 0-3 km helicity of 100-125 m**2/s**2 and perhaps 150
m**2/s**2 coupled with low LCL support the Isolated Tornado
threat from the Storm Prediction Center.

In addition, area observed and model soundings evinced a moist
adiabatic column saturated virtually all the way up, with
precipitable water values up in the 1.5-1.75 inch range, along
with mean layer strongly unidirectional mid-level flow. With
the mid-level flat wave lifting out, and the surface boundary
not moving much as a result, the lines of convection drag, or
move slowly, resulting in cell movement nearly parallel to the
line itself, potentially leading to training and flash flooding.
Guidance suggests generally one half to one inch rainfall, with
high resolution models depicting narrow strips of over two
inches.

The Weather Prediction Center has upgraded the Marginal Risk to
a Slight Risk for Excessive Rainfall, and a Mesoscale
Discussion has already been issued, for the middle Ohio Valley.
With antecedent moist conditions, the Flood Watch for Flash
Flooding remains in effect for the middle Ohio Valley until 11
PM tonight, when the activity should be lifting out of the area
and diminishing in intensity.

Yet another wave is forecast to cross late Sunday and Sunday
night, with a weaker surface low, weaker low level flow, and a
more diffuse array of surface boundaries. This is likely to
bring yet another round of showers thunderstorms from mid
afternoon into Sunday night, more coincident with diurnal
heating than suggested in previous model runs, and slower
moving.

Amid the lighter flow, the Storm Prediction Center has only a
general thunderstorm risk in the Sunday/Sunday night outlook,
but the Weather Prediction Center has a Marginal Risk for Flash
Flooding given numerous, slower moving heavy cells amid
continued rich moisture content, and this may warrant additional
Flood Watch considerations based on what happens this evening.

The Sunday/Sunday night flat waves push the east-coast ridge
offshore and turn the mid/upper-level flow to the west to southwest,
but with the confluence zone between the northern and southern
streams right over the forecast area. With even another series
of flat waves coming northeastward into the confluence zone
Monday, and then turning eastward through it Monday night, and
lingering surface boundaries, the potential for showers and
mainly diurnally-driven thunderstorms with better diurnal timing
of the flat waves again, continues. All the rainfall will need
monitored for possible excessive runoff throughout the Holiday
weekend.

The Weather Prediction Center limits the Marginal Risk for
Excessive Rainfall to southern portions of the area, along and
south of the confluence zone along central portions of the
forecast area, amid slow moving heavy cells there.

KEY MESSAGE 2...

For the mid and latter portion of next week, the confluence zone
shifts north, and a series of flat waves emanating out of a
southern stream short wave trough gives rise to showers and
mainly afternoon and evening thunderstorms on Tuesday and
Wednesday. Hydro concerns may continue to be a lingering issue.

Finally, a northern stream short wave trough amplifies an east-
coast long-wave trough as long-wave ridging builds at all
levels northwest of the forecast area Thursday and Friday. This
acts to shunt the southern stream short wave to the south, if
not leave it behind to the southwest, and drive the confluence
zone and surface boundary, and hence the chance for mainly
diurnal showers and thunderstorms southward and, by next
weekend, even south of the forecast area entirely. As such,
next weekend is looking more like the better pick for outdoor
activities.

KEY MESSAGE 3...

Temperatures hover above normal through the Holiday weekend and
into the upcoming short work week, especially on lows, with
highs somewhat muffled amid the active weather pattern.
Temperatures then trend at least back down to normal at the end
of the work week and into next weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Showers and thunderstorms impact the middle Ohio Valley this
afternoon and evening, while low stratocumulus remains nearby
BKW, likely filling back in tonight. MVFR to IFR fog may impact
EKN early Sunday morning, and any site that gets rain this
evening, most likely along the Ohio River.

Additional mid-level waves and lingering surface boundaries
bring another active day Sunday, with tshowers and thunderstorms
possibly firing up by early afternoon.

Southerly flow, gusty at times this afternoon, will be light
south tonight and Sunday, as moderate southwest flow through
this evening becomes light southwest for overnight tonight and
Sunday.

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

FORECAST CONFIDENCE: Medium.

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: CIGs and/or VSBY may oscillate from the
forecast depending on rainfall. Fog overnight could be more
widespread than currently anticipated. On Sunday, convection
may begin to impact sites by 18Z.

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    M    H    H    H    H    H    M
HTS CONSISTENCY  H    M    M    H    H    H    H    H    M    M    L    H
BKW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
EKN CONSISTENCY  M    H    H    H    H    H    M    M    M    M    M    H
PKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    M    M    H    H    M    H    H    H    H    H
CKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    M    M    M    M    M    H

AFTER 18Z SUNDAY...
IFR remains possible at times from Sunday afternoon into at
least Wednesday, with mainly afternoon and evening showers
and/or thunderstorms, as well as overnight fog and/or low
stratus.

&&

.RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WV...Flood Watch until 11 PM EDT this evening for WVZ005>011-017-
     019.
OH...Flood Watch until 11 PM EDT this evening for OHZ066-067-075-
     076-083>087.
KY...Flood Watch until 11 PM EDT this evening for KYZ101>103-105.
VA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...TRM
AVIATION...TRM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
405 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

WVZ013>015-232030-
Kanawha WV-Lincoln WV-Putnam WV-
405 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN KANAWHA...
SOUTHEASTERN PUTNAM AND NORTHEASTERN LINCOLN COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM
EDT...

At 405 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Institute, or near Nitro, moving 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...
Charleston, Nitro, Jefferson, South Charleston, St. Albans, Dunbar,
Sissonville, Cross Lanes, Pinch, Alum Creek, Institute, Tornado, and
Elkview.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 1 and 10.
 Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 100 and 117.
 Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 45 and 57.
 Route 119 between mile markers 74 and 80.

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 3857 8164 3856 8163 3859 8155 3840 8146
      3825 8190 3834 8197
TIME...MOT...LOC 2005Z 228DEG 30KT 3840 8177

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
418 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

WVZ017>019-232045-
Calhoun WV-Wirt WV-Ritchie WV-
418 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CALHOUN...
SOUTHWESTERN RITCHIE AND WIRT COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM EDT...

At 417 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Elizabeth, moving northeast at 40 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...
Harrisville, Elizabeth, North Bend State Park, Cairo, Cherry,
Smithville, Nutter Farm, Petroleum, Palestine, Lucille, Freeport,
Creston, Brohard, Berea, Macfarlan, and Munday.

This includes Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 27 and
36.

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 3912 8091 3890 8136 3891 8138 3901 8149
      3918 8131 3920 8129 3931 8117 3931 8113
TIME...MOT...LOC 2017Z 226DEG 35KT 3901 8137

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
425 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

WVZ005-006-013-014-232100-
Lincoln WV-Wayne WV-Cabell WV-Putnam WV-
425 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN CABELL...
SOUTHWESTERN PUTNAM...NORTHWESTERN LINCOLN AND NORTHEASTERN WAYNE
COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM EDT...

At 424 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
East Lynn Lake, or 7 miles east of Wayne, moving northeast at 25 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...
Wayne, Hamlin, Milton, Culloden, West Hamlin, Salt Rock,
Griffithsville, Sweetland, East Lynn, Branchland, and Myra.

This includes Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 26
and 30.

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.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3808 8231 3822 8244 3847 8212 3825 8192
TIME...MOT...LOC 2024Z 233DEG 21KT 3821 8230

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

12

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
501 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

WVZ013-014-232130-
Lincoln WV-Putnam WV-
501 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN PUTNAM AND LINCOLN
COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM EDT...

At 500 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Ranger, or 10 miles southwest of Hamlin, moving northeast at 25 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...
Hamlin, Ranger, Gill, Spurlockville, Harts, West Hamlin, Sweetland,
Sod, Woodville, Branchland, Palermo, Griffithsville, Alkol, Yawkey,
and Myra.

This includes Route 119 near mile marker 61.

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.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3817 8227 3820 8228 3821 8227 3824 8226
      3841 8200 3820 8184 3818 8185 3803 8219
      3805 8219 3806 8221 3807 8221 3807 8223
      3812 8227 3813 8226 3815 8229
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 238DEG 21KT 3815 8219

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

12

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
604 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

OHZ075-076-085-WVZ009-232300-
Washington OH-Athens OH-Meigs OH-Wood WV-
604 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN MEIGS...
SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON...SOUTHEASTERN ATHENS AND WEST CENTRAL WOOD
COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM EDT...

At 604 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Pomeroy, moving northeast at 20 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...
Coolville, Tuppers Plains, Lubeck, Washington, Chester, Darwin,
Little Hocking, and Blennerhassett.

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.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3901 8195 3913 8212 3940 8183 3923 8162
TIME...MOT...LOC 2204Z 229DEG 19KT 3911 8199

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

14

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
642 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

WVZ008-014>016-018-232330-
Calhoun WV-Jackson WV-Roane WV-Kanawha WV-Putnam WV-
642 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN CALHOUN...NORTHERN
KANAWHA...EAST CENTRAL PUTNAM...ROANE AND SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON
COUNTIES THROUGH 730 PM EDT...

At 642 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Sissonville, or 10 miles north of Charleston, moving northeast at 45
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...
Charleston, Spencer, South Charleston, Dunbar, Sissonville,
Clendenin, Poca, Cross Lanes, Arnoldsburg, Elkview, Amma, Harmony,
Tariff, Walton, Left Hand, Orma, Looneyville, Nicut, Chloe, and
Gandeeville.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 1 and 31.
 Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 101 and 120.
 Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 55 and 57.
 Route 119 between mile markers 78 and 80.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 3872 8099 3865 8104 3833 8167 3848 8184
      3886 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2242Z 229DEG 49KT 3850 8161

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

14