Damaging Winds in West Virginia, July 21, 1998

A small but potent line of severe thunderstorms developed over the eastern West Virginia panhandle during the late afternoon. Microbursts produced wind gusts in excess of 80 mph across portions of northern Berkeley and Jefferson Cos, increasing the amount of damage, which was fairly extensive to trees and wires. Some property damage was observed as well.The storms first intensified in Morgan Co. Widespread scattered damage occurred mainly to trees/large limbs and power lines. The main cell developed an impressive microburst as it traversed northern Berkeley Co, producing widespread damage to trees, large limbs, and power lines. A 50 by 30 area of double-metal roof was ripped from an automobile manufacturing plant in Martinsburg, with associated structural damage noted to the supporting steel girders. Assorted minor property damage (e.g. shingles, siding, yard articles) was noted in neighborhoods north of Martinsburg between Hedgesville and Falling Waters.Moments later, the storm raced southeast through northern and eastern Jefferson Co. An identical wind gust (82 mph) was recorded by a spotter in Shepherdstown; emergency management officials noted tree/limb and wire damage in the area. An off-duty meteorologist reported numerous trees had been knocked down in the Harpers Ferry/Bolivar area of eastern Jefferson Co.