Special Weather Statement, NWS Charleston, WV

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
942 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...

935 AM Update...
Torrential rain with initially elevated convection continues
across NE KY/SE OH at this hour in a belt of weak ascent
associated associated with a nebulous departing jet max. Should
see this activity exit to the north over the next few hours as
ascent weakens. Additional activity will become focused along a
slow moving cold front this afternoon into this evening. The
main foci will be on damaging wind gusts due to steep low level
lapse rates as well as training convection given weak
southwesterly environmental flow with the cold front oriented
southwest to northeast. Will be considering a targeted flash
flood watch with 12Z guidance with concerns mainly focused on
heavy downpours getting into any of the metro areas. For other
locations, we can take (and need) a fairly large amount of rain,
but rainfall rates could still locally exceed soil capacities.
SPC has upgraded our convective outlook to a slight risk to
reflect potential for aforementioned damaging wind gusts.

554 AM Update...
Aviation Forecast Discussion update.

332 AM update...
The Marginal Risk for severe storms today has expanded
northwestward to encompass parts of southeast Ohio and continues
to highlight a wind and hail threat. A soaking holiday is still
on tap for Memorial Day in response to a wafting frontal
boundary.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Showers and thunderstorms blanket the forecast area today
amid an advancing cold front. Activity today could serve up
damaging wind gusts from stronger storms and localized high
water issues within heavier downpours and/or training cells.

2) The end of the work week into Memorial Day weekend will
feature episodic rounds of showers and storms with the frontal
boundary hung up over the region. Cooler temperatures on
Thursday will gradually rebound towards unseasonably warm
readings by the end of the weekend and into the start of next
week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...

Upper level troughing in the Great Lakes region will drive a
cold front into the forecast area today, beginning a stretch of
active weather through the holiday weekend. Radar trends at the
time of writing depicts scattered showers and embedded
thunderstorms streaming through Ohio and grazing our far
northwestern zones. As the front slips into the forecast area
today, moisture drawing up ahead of the boundary will help serve
up additional rounds of showers and afternoon/evening
thunderstorms.

Messaging has remained unchanged for convective activity progged
for this afternoon, with an axis of destabilization taking place
in locations that remain south of the frontal boundary. Only
minor modifications were made to the Day One convective outlook,
which now expands the Marginal Risk back into our southeast
Ohio counties. This suggests a slightly slower progression of
the front and more opportunity for instability to make an
appearance during peak heating hours. Adequate CAPE and shear
levels support isolated damaging winds with storms today in
addition to a lesser threat for hail. Storms will be ongoing
late tonight along the higher terrain as the frontal boundary
sluggishly passes overhead, but becoming mainly stratiform rain in
the wake of FROPA.

Forecast rainfall amounts ranging from half an inch to an inch
from today into Thursday morning will help to put a dent in our
prevailing drought conditions. Early morning CAMs do suggest a
ribbon of higher amounts streaming in late this evening into the
overnight hours from southwestern West Virginia up into the
northeast mountains associated with a burst of heavier rain.
This could impose localized water issues as heavy, and
potentially repetitive, showers and storms press up through this
corridor. With climatologically high PWATs invading the area
today, floated around the idea of flash flooding concerns, but
opted to hold off with this issuance as 3 hour flash flood
guidance for the CWA remains above two inches, coupled with
antecedent dry soils so far this spring.

KEY MESSAGE 2...

The frontal boundary will complete its passage through the
Central Appalachians Thursday morning, but will become hung up
over the Carolinas and the Mississippi Valley as it contends
with a strong area of high pressure parked offshore. The close
proximity of the boundary will result in ongoing showers and
storms for our mountainous areas and as far west as the
Charleston metro area during the day Thursday, while locations
to the north and west relish in drier weather courtesy of high
pressure centered over the Great Lakes.

The front will continue to promote unsettled weather over the
area through the end of the week as the boundary remains draped
just to our south, eventually lifting back north as a warm
front heading into the holiday weekend. Widespread chances for
rain and afternoon thunderstorms prevail as moisture continues
usher in from the southwest as we remain in this holding pattern
due to the nettlesome front. Impacts from this multi-day
soaking rain could eventually be observed as local creeks and
streams gradually become overwhelmed by excessive runoff.

Cooler temperatures infiltrate the area on Thursday in the wake
of the cold front, bringing an end to the early season heatwave.
Should see temperatures gradually rebound each day as the
aforementioned boundary lifts as a warm front, returning daytime
highs to unseasonably warm readings for Sunday and Memorial
Day.

&&

.AVIATION /13Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Showers and thunderstorms upstream of our airspace will
gradually shift south and eastward this morning and become
widespread throughout the day as a cold front advances. VFR
conditions to start will be followed by a period of SHRA/VCTS
late this morning into the afternoon, then concluding the valid
TAF period with crashing ceilings. By late tonight, all
terminals are progged to drop to low MVFR and eventually to
LIFR/IFR amid ongoing moderate to heavy rain. This boundary is
expected to stir up active weather for the end of the week and
into the holiday weekend, likely resulting in restricted flight
conditions as a result.

Should see a wind shift from southwest to northwest throughout
the day amid the encroaching cold front. Outside of strong winds
produced by thunderstorms, occasional gusts around 15kts could
be observed this afternoon.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND ALTERNATE SCENARIOS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY...

FORECAST CONFIDENCE: High tonight, medium on Wednesday.

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: Restrictions associated with showers and
storms on Wednesday may 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       12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23
EDT 1HRLY       08   09   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19
CRW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    M
HTS CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    L    H
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    M    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
CKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H

AFTER 12Z THURSDAY...
IFR conditions are possible on Thursday with showers and/or low
stratus, especially in/near the mountains. Brief IFR is also
possible at times Friday through the weekend with showers and/or
thunderstorms.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION...05/JP
AVIATION...05

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1131 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ020-031-032-201545-
Doddridge WV-Harrison WV-Taylor WV-
1131 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL DODDRIDGE...WEST
CENTRAL TAYLOR AND NORTHERN HARRISON COUNTIES THROUGH 1145 AM EDT...

At 1131 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Salem, or near Clarksburg, moving northeast 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...
Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Shinnston, Salem, Lumberport, Enterprise,
Grangeville, Wallace, Sedalia, Meadowbrook, and Wolf Summit.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 126 and 128.
 Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 66 and 78.

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 3943 8028 3939 8020 3940 8015 3939 8013
      3923 8048 3934 8063 3947 8048
TIME...MOT...LOC 1531Z 245DEG 34KT 3931 8045

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1142 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026

OHZ076-WVZ010-011-201600-
Washington OH-Pleasants WV-Tyler WV-
1142 AM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL WASHINGTON...
CENTRAL PLEASANTS AND WEST CENTRAL TYLER COUNTIES THROUGH NOON EDT...

At 1142 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Belmont, or near St. Marys, 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...
St. Marys, Belmont, Newport, Matamoras, Arvilla, Point Lookout, and
Willow Island.

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 3934 8132 3942 8135 3957 8112 3939 8099
TIME...MOT...LOC 1542Z 245DEG 34KT 3939 8126

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1218 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ028>031-039-201645-
Harrison WV-Upshur WV-Lewis WV-Gilmer WV-Braxton WV-
1218 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT GILMER...LEWIS...NORTH CENTRAL
BRAXTON...NORTHWESTERN UPSHUR AND SOUTHWESTERN HARRISON COUNTIES
THROUGH 1245 PM EDT...

At 1217 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Glenville, moving northeast at 55 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, Weston, Glenville, Jackson Mill, Stonewall Jackson, Cedar
Creek State Park, West Milford, Burnsville, Lost Creek, Jane Lew,
Sand Fork, Alum Bridge, Tanner, Camden, Baldwin, Lorentz, Stouts
Mills, Sand Run, Troy, and Coxs Mills.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 79 and 114.
 Route 33 between mile markers 1 and 7.

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.

These storms 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 3904 8014 3875 8096 3901 8096 3910 8075
      3909 8070 3914 8066 3914 8063 3917 8059
      3927 8035 3913 8023 3911 8023 3909 8019
TIME...MOT...LOC 1617Z 245DEG 49KT 3898 8075

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1245 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ029>031-039-201715-
Harrison WV-Upshur WV-Lewis WV-Gilmer WV-
1245 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN GILMER...LEWIS...
NORTHWESTERN UPSHUR AND SOUTHWESTERN HARRISON COUNTIES THROUGH 115 PM
EDT...

At 1244 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 7 miles west of Weston, moving east at 20 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...
Weston, Jackson Mill, Stonewall Jackson, West Milford, Lost Creek,
Jane Lew, Camden, Alum Bridge, Lorentz, Linn, and Horner.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 89 and 114.
 Route 33 between mile markers 1 and 7.

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.

These storms 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 3891 8068 3910 8076 3909 8070 3911 8068
      3912 8068 3913 8067 3914 8064 3914 8062
      3924 8031 3902 8019
TIME...MOT...LOC 1644Z 253DEG 19KT 3904 8061

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1250 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ031-032-039-040-201715-
Barbour WV-Harrison WV-Taylor WV-Upshur WV-
1250 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN TAYLOR...NORTH
CENTRAL UPSHUR...BARBOUR AND SOUTHEASTERN HARRISON COUNTIES THROUGH
115 PM EDT...

At 1249 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Philippi, moving northeast at 30 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...
Grafton, Philippi, Flemington, Moatsville, Tygart Lake State Park,
Volga, Thornton, Knottsville, Hodgesville, Century, Galloway, and
Nestorville.

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.

These storms 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 3922 7982 3921 7981 3920 7983 3918 7983
      3904 8018 3919 8030 3939 7990 3930 7989
      3929 7986 3924 7985 3924 7982
TIME...MOT...LOC 1649Z 241DEG 28KT 3918 8011

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

01

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
108 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ028-030-039-201730-
Upshur WV-Lewis WV-Braxton WV-
108 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LEWIS...NORTHEASTERN
BRAXTON AND NORTHWESTERN UPSHUR COUNTIES THROUGH 130 PM EDT...

At 107 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 11 miles northeast of Sutton, moving northeast at 25
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...
Walkersville, Sand Run, Horner, Ireland, French Creek, and Lorentz.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 79 between mile markers 84 and 89.
 Route 33 between mile markers 3 and 7.

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.

These storms 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 3877 8052 3889 8062 3890 8062 3890 8061
      3892 8062 3904 8031 3891 8019
TIME...MOT...LOC 1707Z 245DEG 22KT 3881 8061

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

01