Alert archive / West Virginia / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 5, NWS Charleston, WV

May 20, 2026Kanawha County, Putnam County, West Virginia

NWS Charleston, WV issued this tornado warning at May 20, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT for Kanawha County, Putnam County, West Virginia. It was in force for 20 min. 1 report 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
May 20, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT (20:09 UTC)
Expired
May 20, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT
In force
20 min
Issued by
NWS Charleston, WV
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Kanawha County, WV, Putnam County, WV

The radar

The Charleston,WV radar (KRLX), 14 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:10 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

TimeReportWhereRemark
May 20, 4:10 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 E Poca, WVPower lines down along Poca River Road. Time estimated from radar.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado 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 watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
May 20, 3:49 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC5 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), launched 12:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 212 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, Cncnati-Daytn, OH at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 115 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, Cncnati-Daytn, OH at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -31 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
115 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-89 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
744 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
21 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-31 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
8 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
-0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

842 
WFUS51 KRLX 202009
TORRLX
WVC039-079-202045-
/O.NEW.KRLX.TO.W.0005.260520T2009Z-260520T2045Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Charleston WV
409 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

The National Weather Service in Charleston West Virginia has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northwestern Kanawha County in central West Virginia...
  East central Putnam County in western West Virginia...

* Until 445 PM EDT.

* At 409 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Cross Lanes, or near Nitro, moving east at 20 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Charleston, Sissonville, and Cross Lanes around 415 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3840 8180 3847 8181 3853 8160 3838 8156
TIME...MOT...LOC 2009Z 261DEG 17KT 3844 8176 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

09
2 follow-up statements
249 
WWUS51 KRLX 202019
SVSRLX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
419 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVC079-202029-
/O.CAN.KRLX.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260520T2045Z/
Putnam WV-
419 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL PUTNAM COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning moved out of 
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
central and western West Virginia.

&&

LAT...LON 3851 8159 3838 8156 3842 8173 3846 8175
TIME...MOT...LOC 2019Z 268DEG 18KT 3844 8169 

$$

WVC039-202045-
/O.CON.KRLX.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260520T2045Z/
Kanawha WV-
419 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM EDT FOR NORTH
CENTRAL KANAWHA COUNTY...

At 419 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Cross Lanes, or near Charleston, moving east at 20
mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Charleston and Sissonville around 425 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3851 8159 3838 8156 3842 8173 3846 8175
TIME...MOT...LOC 2019Z 268DEG 18KT 3844 8169 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

09
038 
WWUS51 KRLX 202029
SVSRLX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
429 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVC039-202038-
/O.CAN.KRLX.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260520T2045Z/
Kanawha WV-
429 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL KANAWHA COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and 
a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for 
central and western West Virginia.


&&

LAT...LON 3851 8159 3838 8156 3842 8173 3846 8175
TIME...MOT...LOC 2026Z 261DEG 17KT 3845 8163 

$$

09

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado 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 tornado warning went out at May 20, 3:54 PM EDT, 15 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1.) Scattered to numerous thunderstorms this afternoon and evening will pose a primary threat of damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding. 2.) A brief reprieve from the active weather is expected across northern areas on Thursday, with post-frontal temperatures dropping significantly into the upper 60s to low 70s. 3.) The frontal boundary lifts back north on Friday, bringing renewed chances for heavy rainfall and localized high water issues. Unsettled weather persists through the Memorial Day weekend.
Area forecast discussion, May 20, 3:54 PM EDT, 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston WV
354 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...

350 PM Update...
Issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9PM for southeast KY,
southwest VA and much of WV.

Slight risk for severe and excessive rainfall this afternoon.
Risk for more robust convection does appear to be displaced a
slightly farther southeast than morning guidance due to morning
convection.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1.) Scattered to numerous thunderstorms this afternoon and
evening will pose a primary threat of damaging wind gusts and
localized flash flooding.

2.) A brief reprieve from the active weather is expected across
northern areas on Thursday, with post-frontal temperatures
dropping significantly into the upper 60s to low 70s.

3.) The frontal boundary lifts back north on Friday, bringing
renewed chances for heavy rainfall and localized high water
issues. Unsettled weather persists through the Memorial Day
weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...
Showers and thunderstorms from this morning have introduced
uncertainty regarding the extent of atmospheric recovery across
northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio this afternoon.
Consequently, convective initiation is anticipated to be
displaced slightly further southeast than initially suggested by
earlier high-resolution guidance. Despite modest mid-level lapse
rates, ongoing insolation and moisture pooling along and ahead
of an approaching cold front will yield moderate instability,
with Mixed-Layer CAPE values increasing to 1200-1800 J/kg. Deep
layer shear remains relatively weak, generally between 20 and
30 KTs, which will favor multicell clusters and perhaps some
transient supercells. The primary severe hazard this afternoon
will be damaging downburst winds, driven by steep low-level
lapse rates and elevated Downdraft CAPE (DCAPE). Gusts exceeding
40 to 45 mph could result in localized tree damage,
particularly given the fully leafed canopy with more substantial
damage possible in any true severe gusts.

In addition to the wind threat, localized flash flooding
remains a concern. Flow parallel to the frontal boundary will
encourage the training of convective cells. The environment is
characterized by deep warm cloud depths of 10-11kft and
precipitable water values climbing to around 1.7 inches, which
exceeds the 90th percentile for late May. Rainfall rates of 1 to
2 inches per hour are probable in the heaviest cores. Due to
largely dry antecedent conditions, much of the region can
tolerate up to 2.5 inches of rain over a short duration.
However, areas that received heavy rainfall this morning,
specifically Greenup and Carter counties in northeast Kentucky,
as well as urban centers and steep, V-shaped hollows, will be
susceptible to rapid runoff and flash flooding. A Flash Flood
Warning or two may be required for the most persistent
downpours, but the localized nature of the threat precludes the
need for a broader Flash Flood Watch at this  time.

KEY MESSAGE 2...
The cold front will push southeastward tonight, causing
remaining showers and thunderstorms to become confined to the
southern coalfields and southwest Virginia Thursday morning.
Subsidence and a cooler, drier airmass will overspread the
northern half of the forecast area, providing a temporary dry
(or mainly dry) period. Post-frontal cold advection will result
in a notable temperature drop, with daytime highs on Thursday
struggling to reach 70 degrees F across the lowlands, which is
well below normal.

KEY MESSAGE 3...
The aforementioned boundary will stall to the south and lift
back north as a warm front on Friday, placing the region firmly
within the unsettled warm sector. This will mark the beginning
of a wet and active Memorial Day weekend. Friday is expected to
be the wettest day of the period as isentropic ascent increases
over the boundary. Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms
are expected through Monday, driven by shortwave energy riding
along the periphery of a Bermuda high. Depending on where the
heaviest rain falls today, antecedent soil conditions may
become compromised, leading to a conditional risk for high water
and flash flooding Friday into the weekend with any additional
heavy rainfall.

Widespread severe weather is not currently anticipated through
the holiday weekend, as atmospheric instability is forecast to
remain generally weak, with only periodic upticks in deep-layer
shear. Unseasonably warm temperatures will return by Sunday and
Monday, although values will remain below the record heat
observed earlier this week.

&&

.AVIATION /19Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
A mix of VFR and localized IFR to LIFR conditions is expected
this afternoon and evening. Scattered to numerous showers and
thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of an approaching
cold front. Direct impacts from thunderstorms may produce brief
periods of IFR visibility and gusty, erratic winds, primarily
between 18Z and 02Z. Outside of convection, southwesterly winds
of 5 to 10 KTs will prevail ahead of the front.

Following the frontal passage tonight, winds will shift to the
northwest and north. Low-level moisture trapped beneath the
developing subsidence inversion will likely result in widespread
MVFR to IFR ceilings across the region, especially after 06Z.
Patchy dense fog is also possible in areas that receive heavy
rainfall and manage to clear out, particularly in the deeper
river valleys. Conditions will slowly improve to VFR from north
to south after 14Z Thursday as drier air works into the region.

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

FORECAST CONFIDENCE: Low for convective impact timing,
otherwise medium.

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: Restrictions associated with convection
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       19   20   21   22   23   00   01   02   03   04   05   06
EDT 1HRLY       15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   00   01   02
CRW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    M    M    H    H    H
HTS CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    M    H    H    H    H    H    H    H
BKW CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    H    H    M    H    L    H
EKN CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    H    H    H    L    H    M    M    H    M
PKB CONSISTENCY  M    M    H    H    H    H    H    M    M    M    M    M
CKB CONSISTENCY  H    H    H    M    H    M    M    M    H    H    H    H

AFTER 18Z THURSDAY...
IFR conditions conditions continue southeast Thursday afternoon.
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...JP/JZ
AVIATION...JP

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 20, 2:36 PM EDT, 1 hour 33 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
236 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

OHZ087-WVZ006-201900-
Lawrence OH-Cabell WV-
236 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LAWRENCE AND
CENTRAL CABELL COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM EDT...

At 236 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Proctorville, moving east at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Huntington, Proctorville, Barboursville, Athalia, Green Bottom, and
Pea Ridge.

This includes Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 10
and 22.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3858 8225 3837 8221 3834 8241 3835 8242
      3849 8243
TIME...MOT...LOC 1836Z 259DEG 8KT 3842 8237

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

01
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:41 PM EDT, 1 hour 28 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
241 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

KYZ105-201900-
Lawrence KY-
241 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN LAWRENCE COUNTY
THROUGH 300 PM EDT...

At 241 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Martha, or near Blaine, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 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...
Blaine and Martha.

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 could 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 3802 8301 3809 8284 3799 8264 3795 8281
      3797 8284 3798 8288 3800 8294 3800 8296
      3796 8299 3797 8302 3799 8303
TIME...MOT...LOC 1841Z 235DEG 20KT 3798 8290

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

01
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:47 PM EDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
247 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

KYZ101>103-105-201900-
Boyd KY-Greenup KY-Carter KY-Lawrence KY-
247 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN BOYD...NORTHWESTERN
LAWRENCE...SOUTH CENTRAL GREENUP AND SOUTHEASTERN CARTER COUNTIES
THROUGH 300 PM EDT...

At 247 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Grayson Lake State Park, 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...
Grayson, Grayson Lake State Park, Webbville, Denton, Rush, Grahn,
Hopewell, Willard, and Hitchins.

This includes Interstate 64 in Kentucky between mile markers 166 and
180.

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 3845 8284 3821 8268 3816 8292 3817 8292
      3817 8298 3819 8299 3819 8301 3820 8301
      3820 8304 3818 8305 3822 8308 3824 8314
      3826 8315
TIME...MOT...LOC 1847Z 242DEG 23KT 3822 8303

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

01
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:59 PM EDT, 1 hour 10 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
259 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

KYZ101>103-105-OHZ087-WVZ005-006-201930-
Boyd KY-Greenup KY-Carter KY-Lawrence KY-Lawrence OH-Wayne WV-
Cabell WV-
259 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT BOYD...LAWRENCE...SOUTH CENTRAL
GREENUP...SOUTHEASTERN CARTER...SOUTH CENTRAL LAWRENCE...SOUTHWESTERN
CABELL AND NORTHERN WAYNE COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM EDT...

At 259 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Grayson Lake State Park, moving northeast at 25
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...
Huntington, Ashland, Grayson, Louisa, Wayne, Chesapeake, Blaine,
Beech Fork State Park, Cannonsburg, Grayson Lake State Park,
Yatesville Lake State Park, Kenova, Catlettsburg, Ceredo, Fort Gay,
Webbville, Princess, Coalton, Denton, and Burnaugh.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 64 in Kentucky between mile markers 164 and 191.
 Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 1 and 11.

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 3829 8317 3853 8248 3821 8229 3796 8281
      3800 8294 3800 8296 3796 8299 3797 8301
      3799 8303 3804 8300 3805 8296 3811 8289
      3817 8292 3817 8298 3820 8301 3820 8304
      3818 8305 3822 8308 3826 8316
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 242DEG 23KT 3821 8297

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

01
Special weather statement, May 20, 3:33 PM EDT, 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
333 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

WVZ006-007-014-202000-
Mason WV-Cabell WV-Putnam WV-
333 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN MASON...NORTHEASTERN
CABELL AND WESTERN PUTNAM COUNTIES THROUGH 400 PM EDT...

At 333 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Culloden, or 9 miles north of Hamlin, moving east
at 25 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...
Nitro, Winfield, Hurricane, Milton, Eleanor, Ona, Culloden, Teays
Valley, and Fraziers Bottom.

This includes Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 22
and 44.

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 3861 8190 3844 8182 3840 8190 3837 8191
      3835 8205 3837 8205 3838 8207 3837 8210
      3835 8212 3833 8221 3851 8224
TIME...MOT...LOC 1933Z 284DEG 21KT 3842 8209

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

01
Special weather statement, May 20, 3:47 PM EDT, 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
347 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

KYZ103-105-WVZ005-202015-
Boyd KY-Lawrence KY-Wayne WV-
347 PM EDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN BOYD...NORTHERN
LAWRENCE AND NORTHWESTERN WAYNE COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM EDT...

At 346 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Yatesville Lake State Park, moving east 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...
Louisa, Yatesville Lake State Park, Fort Gay, Webbville, Durbin,
Burnaugh, Centerville, Lockwood, Houckville, Fallsburg, Genoa, and
Buchanan.

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 3819 8286 3819 8285 3820 8284 3836 8254
      3811 8243 3804 8285 3814 8291 3816 8291
TIME...MOT...LOC 1946Z 250DEG 28KT 3812 8278

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

01

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 20, 10:07 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXPleasants, Wood38 min
May 20, 10:44 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXPleasants, Tyler31 min
May 20, 11:20 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXTyler25 min
May 20, 11:31 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXHarrison14 min
May 20, 11:42 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXPleasants18 min
May 20, 12:18 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXGilmer, Lewis27 min
May 20, 12:45 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXLewis30 min
May 20, 12:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXBarbour25 min
May 20, 1:08 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXUpshur22 min
May 20, 1:15 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXBarbour15 min
May 20, 1:29 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXUpshur16 min
May 20, 2:36 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXCabell24 min
May 20, 3:20 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXCabell, Lincoln, Wayne25 min
May 20, 3:33 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXPutnam27 min
May 20, 3:41 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXCabell, Lincoln, Wayne34 min
May 20, 3:49 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXCabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam41 min
May 20, 3:57 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXWayne33 min
May 20, 4:05 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXJackson, Kanawha, Putnam40 min
May 20, 4:06 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXWayne24 min
May 20, 4:30 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXLincoln, Wayne30 min
May 20, 4:39 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatRLXClay, Kanawha, Roane51 min
May 20, 4:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXMingo27 min
May 20, 4:56 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBoone, Lincoln, Wayne34 min
May 20, 5:00 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBraxton, Gilmer, Lewis30 min
May 20, 5:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBoone, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo30 min
May 20, 5:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatRLXBraxton, Calhoun, Clay, Kanawha, Roane57 min
May 20, 5:34 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBraxton, Lewis, Upshur, Webster26 min
May 20, 5:37 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXLincoln23 min
May 20, 5:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXLewis, Randolph, Upshur, Webster36 min
May 20, 5:56 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBraxton, Webster49 min
May 20, 6:01 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXKanawha14 min
May 20, 6:12 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBoone, Kanawha, Raleigh33 min
May 20, 6:27 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXRandolph18 min
May 20, 6:35 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXWayne10 min
May 20, 6:39 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBraxton, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur, Webster51 min
May 20, 6:40 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXRandolph20 min
May 20, 6:41 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXRaleigh19 min
May 20, 6:54 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXLewis36 min
May 20, 7:11 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXUpshur34 min
May 20, 7:25 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXDoddridge35 min
May 20, 7:31 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRLXBarbour, Harrison, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur44 min
May 20, 7:57 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRLXHarrison33 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in West Virginia, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes 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.