Alert archive / West Virginia / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 53, NWS Charleston, WV

July 8, 2026Pocahontas County, West Virginia

NWS Charleston, WV issued this flash flood warning at Jul 8, 2026, 5:45 PM EDT for Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It was in force for 97 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jul 8, 2026, 5:45 PM EDT (21:45 UTC)
Expired
Jul 8, 2026, 7:22 PM EDT
In force
97 min
Issued by
NWS Charleston, WV
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Pocahontas County, WV

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 162 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:49 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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

Roanoke, VA (KRNK), launched 12:00Z, 9.8 hours before the alert went out and 137 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-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Roanoke, VA at 12:00Z on 2026-07-08Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 240 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Roanoke, VA at 12:00Z on 2026-07-08The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -7 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
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
240 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-40 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
733 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
14 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-7 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
44 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

279 
WGUS51 KRLX 082145
FFWRLX
WVC075-090045-
/O.NEW.KRLX.FF.W.0053.260708T2145Z-260709T0045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Charleston WV
545 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  East Central Pocahontas County in northeastern West Virginia...

* Until 845 PM EDT.

* At 545 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a nearly stationary
  thunderstorm producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2
  and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 2
  to 4 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches
  are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
  expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by a nearly stationary thunderstorm.

  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...
  Green Bank and Arbovale.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where
you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become
killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or
creeks.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3835 7977 3835 7984 3837 7994 3842 7987
      3851 7968 3850 7968 3849 7969 3849 7970
      3848 7969 3847 7970 3846 7969 3843 7969
      3842 7971 3839 7973 3836 7973 3835 7974
      3836 7976

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...2-4 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

12
1 follow-up statement
719 
WGUS71 KRLX 082322
FFSRLX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
722 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

WVC075-082332-
/O.CAN.KRLX.FF.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260709T0045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pocahontas WV-
722 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR EAST CENTRAL POCAHONTAS
COUNTY...

The heavy rain has ended. There were no reports of flooding, and high
waters were receding. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed any road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3835 7977 3835 7984 3837 7994 3842 7987
      3851 7968 3850 7968 3849 7969 3849 7970
      3848 7969 3847 7970 3846 7969 3843 7969
      3842 7971 3839 7973 3836 7973 3835 7974
      3836 7976

$$

12

What 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 Jul 8, 3:24 PM EDT, 2 hours 21 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Showers and thunderstorms continue at times through the work week and the weekend, with localized flash flooding remaining possible.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 8, 3:24 PM EDT, 2 hours 21 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
324 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Expanded fog coverage for tonight, but otherwise, the forecast
remains on track and is consistent with the previous package.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Showers and thunderstorms continue at times through the work
week and the weekend, with localized flash flooding remaining
possible.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...

Rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout
the rest of the work week and the weekend as a very moist
airmass remains in place, with a lingering frontal boundary and
periodic crossing upper waves providing synoptic scale
enhancement at times. Guidance continues to forecast PWATs in
the 1.5 to 2.0" range into the weekend, resulting in the
potential for heavy rain and localized flash flooding going
forward.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed today along
a lingering surface boundary. Steering flow remains light today,
at 10 knots or less, resulting in a slow movement of activity,
with localized totals of 1-2" already observed in some
areas. Activity should begin to gradually decrease
towards/after sunset, with an additional round possible later
tonight into Thursday morning as a shortwave moves overhead, as
well as additional diurnal development Thursday afternoon/evening.
After a somewhat quieter Thursday night, the most widespread
rainfall is expected Friday and Saturday as a cold front slowly
approaches from the north and a more robust shortwave crosses
overtop on Friday, with another approaching late Saturday. WPC
maintains a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall across much of
the forecast area through Thursday, with a Slight Risk for
excessive rainfall Friday and Saturday. Given the scattered
coverage of activity today into Thursday and low confidence in
placement of heaviest rainfall, have opted to hold off on a
Flash Flood Watch. This will however continue to be monitored
going forward.

While organized severe weather is not currently anticipated,
given progged Mixed-layer CAPE in excess of 1,000 J/kg most
afternoons, isolated strong storms cannot be ruled out. The
hazard associated with any heavy storms would be strong winds
via collapsing cores. Drier weather attempts to build into the
area late this weekend into early next week.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Isolated to scattered showers and storms have developed across
the area this afternoon, providing brief MVFR/IFR restrictions
at times. This trend is expected to continue through the
evening, with activity gradually diminishing after sunset, with
the potential for another developing round later tonight into
Thursday morning. More widespread restrictions are expected
tonight with developing fog and/or stratus, with LIFR or worse
progged for most terminals. Fog/stratus gradually
lifts/dissipates through ~ 12 to 14Z, with MVFR CIGs possible
thereafter with developing diurnal Cu. MVFR VSBY restrictions
are also possible with any heavier showers or storms.

Light and variable flow is expected today, going calm in most
areas tonight. Light west-southwest flow develops on Thursday.

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

FORECAST CONFIDENCE: Low to medium.

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: Timing and intensity of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could vary.
Restrictions overnight into Thursday morning with fog, stratus,
and additional rainfall will vary from the 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    H    H    H
HTS CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    M
BKW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
EKN CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
PKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
CKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H

AFTER 18Z THURSDAY...
IFR conditions associated with showers and thunderstorms remain
possible through the weekend, more likely in the afternoon and
evening hours. IFR conditions are also possible with fog and/or
stratus each night and early morning, especially across valley
locations.

&&

.RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WV...None.
OH...None.
KY...None.
VA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...GW
AVIATION...GW

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 8, 2:04 PM EDT, 3 hours 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
204 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

WVZ013-026-081830-
Boone WV-Lincoln WV-
204 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL LINCOLN AND NORTHWESTERN
BOONE COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM EDT...

At 203 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ranger, or 7 miles south of Hamlin, moving east at 10 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...
Ranger, Spurlockville, Alum Creek, Palermo, Griffithsville,
Sweetland, Woodville, Alkol, Mud, Yawkey, and Myra.

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 3822 8219 3828 8202 3827 8201 3827 8199
      3828 8199 3831 8194 3832 8190 3831 8188
      3806 8189 3811 8220
TIME...MOT...LOC 1803Z 267DEG 11KT 3817 8215

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

20
Local storm report, Jul 8, 4:56 PM EDT, 49 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston WV
456 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0431 PM     Flash Flood      2 NW Charleston         38.37N 81.65W
07/08/2026                   Kanawha            WV   911 Call Center

            High water in progress reported on Virginia
            Street West at the Save-A-Lot in Charleston.
            Road closed.

&&
Local storm report, Jul 8, 4:58 PM EDT, 47 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston WV
458 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0431 PM     Flash Flood      2 NW Charleston         38.37N 81.65W
07/08/2026                   Kanawha            WV   911 Call Center

            Corrects previous flash flood report from 2
            NW Charleston. High water in progress
            reported on Virginia Street West at the
            Save-A-Lot in Charleston. Road closed.
            Corrected to add that the traffic call was
            closed within 20 minutes.

&&
Special weather statement, Jul 8, 5:29 PM EDT, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
529 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

WVZ024-025-082200-
Logan WV-Mingo WV-
529 PM EDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN MINGO AND SOUTHWESTERN
LOGAN COUNTIES THROUGH 600 PM EDT...

At 528 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Buskirk, or near Williamson, moving northeast at 20 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...
Williamson, Delbarton, Holden, Mount Gay-Shamrock, Red Jacket,
Chattaroy, Aflex, Hinch, Matewan, Mount Gay, Verdunville, Chauncey,
Myrtle, Hampden, Switzer, Pie, Bruno, Varney, Sarah Ann, and Meador.

This includes Route 119 between mile markers 12 and 29.

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 3757 8214 3758 8212 3759 8213 3759 8216
      3762 8216 3762 8218 3765 8217 3765 8219
      3763 8219 3763 8221 3765 8223 3766 8226
      3768 8228 3767 8229 3769 8230 3789 8204
      3767 8184 3755 8213
TIME...MOT...LOC 2128Z 235DEG 16KT 3766 8218

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

12

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 8, 2:04 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXLincoln26 min
Jul 8, 5:29 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXMingo31 min

Nearby

Flash 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.