Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds in West Virginia, July 12 to 14, 2015

Name: Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds in West Virginia, July 12 to 14, 2015
Start: 2015-07-12T21:00
End: 2015-07-14T19:00
Location: West Virginia

July 12 to 14, 2015 · NWS RLX · 66 events in 25 counties and zones

In a northwest flow aloft, clusters of showers and thunderstorms formed during the evening hours on the 12th. Storms were along a weak front, and ahead of a weak low pressure system in southern Ohio.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $3.9 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 66

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS RLX wrote it up.

In a northwest flow aloft, clusters of showers and thunderstorms formed during the evening hours on the 12th. Storms were along a weak front, and ahead of a weak low pressure system in southern Ohio. The clusters of showers and thunderstorms became aligned northwest to southwest along the flow. Two distinct areas of heavy rain occurred. One was over eastern Wood County around Mineralwells during the evening of the 12th. The other area was toward dawn on the 13th over the headwaters of the Elk River from Sutton to Webster Springs and to a lesser extent south into Nicholas County around Richwood. The heaviest measured rain was 3.37 inches from Sutton. Webster Springs observed 3.06 inches, and Criagsville 2.45 inches. Estimates of at least that order of magnitude likely fell around Mineralwells.

After a lull in the rain during the mid morning into the mid afternoon a mesoscale convective complex dropped southeast, through central and southern West Virginia during the late afternoon and early evening. This caused mostly minor wind damage from fallen trees.

Another lull followed during the late evening. However, in the humid air, more thunderstorms formed in southeast Ohio and moved into southern West Virginia after midnight, for the early morning hours on the 14th. The axis of heaviest rain went southeast from Mason and Cabell Counties on through Putnam, Lincoln, southwestern Kanawha, and into Boone Counties. The 24 hour rain totals of 2 to 3.5 inches were measured. For example, a spotter in Hurricane had 3.3 inches of rain. The cooperative observer at Madison had 2.65 inches of rain. The automatic gauge at Hager Cemetery in Lincoln County measured 2.36 inches of rain. Flash flooding was common.

Finally, more thunderstorms formed in northern Ohio ahead of a cold front and mid level disturbance during the midday and early afternoon on the 14th. These storms formed into a squall line and moved southeast, through West Virginia during the late afternoon and early evening. Rain amounts of .5 to 1 in an hour were enough to cause a few minor flooding problems again over the waterlogged counties in the south. Yet, the main effect was strong winds on the leading edge of the squall line. This caused electrical power outages.

In the aftermath, a gubernatorial state of emergency was declared for a few counties. Eventually, a federal disaster was declared by President Obama for the period July 10th through the 14th. It included 8 counties in West Virginia. See FEMA disaster 4236 for more information.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Jul 12, 6:55 PM EST, 2 hours 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 12, 6:55 PM EST, 2 hours 5 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
755 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

.SYNOPSIS...
UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCES WILL CROSS THE AREA IN NORTHWEST FLOW
THRU NEXT WEEK...KEEPING UNSETTLED CONDITIONS IN PLACE. AN UPPER
LEVEL RIDGE MAY DEVELOP BY THE END OF NEXT WEEKEND.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
800 PM UPDATE...

INCREASED POPS TONIGHT FROM THE C LOWLANDS AND ESPECIALLY INTO THE
N LOWLANDS/MTNS. A WEAK LOW PRESSURE SYS OVER OH WILL DRIFT SE
INTO THE AREA OVERNIGHT. THIS COMBINED WITH SOME MID LEVEL LIFT
OVER THE AREA SHOULD ALLOW SHRA INCREASE IN COVERAGE THIS AFTER
MIDNIGHT. AS THIS SYS SPIRALS INTO THE AREA...EXPECT LOW CIGS TO
DEVELOP ALONG WITH PATCHY FG.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSION BELOW...

LATEST SATELLITE IMAGERY DEPICTS A RATHER CHAOTIC IMAGE OVER THE
MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES THIS AFTERNOON...WITH SEVERAL FEATURES OF
NOTE. ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN OHIO THERE IS A FAIRLY WELL
DEFINED SHORTWAVE KICKING OFF SHOWER ACTIVITY ACROSS NORTHEASTERN
OHIO. SKIES HAVE STARTED TO CLEAR SOME ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN
KY...IN THE WAKE OF MCS WHICH MOVED THROUGH THIS MORNING. SEVERAL
OUTFLOW BOUNDARIES CAN BE SEEN IN EASTERN TN AND SOUTHERN KY AS
WELL. THESE HELPING TO KICK OFF CONVECTION. ACROSS WEST VIRGINIA A
SOLID MID DECK OF BLOW CLOUDS HAVE IMPEDED DAYTIME HEATING. THUS
THERE IS A LACK OF CONVECTION INITIATION SO FAR. HOWEVER...BL
HEATING ACROSS THE ELEVATED TERRAIN ALLOWING SOME CU TO FORM.

LATEST SHORT TERM MODELS HAVE BEEN SLOW TO CATCH ON WITH ALL OF
THESE SMALLER SCALE FEATURES. HOWEVER...LATEST RUNS SEEM TO SHOW A
TREND THAT PRECIPITATION SHOULD REMAIN SUPPRESSED FOR THE VERY NEAR
TERM WITH THE RUC AND HRRR IN GENERAL AGREEMENT. AS SHORTWAVE TRACKS
ACROSS THE NORTHERN TIER THIS EVENING...RAMPS POPS BACK UP.  FOR
MONDAY...BROAD BUSHED POPS WITH AN EYE ON FEATURES THAT MAY TRACK
ACROSS IN NORTHWEST FLOW.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
THE GFS AND ECMWF MODELS ARE IN BETTER AGREEMENT WITH AN H500
SHORTWAVE UNDER NORTHWEST FLOW CROSSING THE AREA MONDAY NIGHT. THE
NAM LOOKS ABOUT 6-12 HOURS SLOWER BRINGING MOST OF THE ENERGY BY 12Z
TUESDAY. PREFER THE CONSENSUS FROM GFS/ECMWF. THEREFORE...EXPECT
THIS SHORTWAVE TO BRING GOOD CHANCES FOR SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS...
SOME WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN INTO EARLY TUESDAY.

MODELS ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH A STRONGER TROUGH/LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM
TO DROP FROM THE GREAT LAKES REGION...SOUTHEAST ACROSS PA AND
PORTIONS OF NORTHERN WV TUESDAY NIGHT. ADDITIONAL ROUNDS FOR SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE. HAVE CODED
LIKELY POPS FOR BOTH DAYS WITH EACH SYSTEM.

CONCERNS FOR FLOODING CONTINUES DURING THIS PERIOD...AND WILL
CONTINUE MENTION IN THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK. TEMPERATURES WILL
CONTINUE TO BE MODERATE WITH CLOUDS AND SHOWERS...BUT ALSO REMAINING
QUITE HUMID. MINOR CHANGES MADE TO PREVIOUS TEMPERATURES.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
FOR WEDNESDAY...THE AREA WILL STILL BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A
BROAD UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND NORTHWEST FLOW...KEEPING THE AREA UNDER
CHANCES FOR ADDITIONAL SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS LESS NUMEROUS THAN
THE PREVIOUS DAYS...AT LEAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. EXPECT A LULL
IN RAINFALL ACTIVITY THURSDAY. UPPER LEVEL FLOW FLATTENS ON FRIDAY.
MODELS DEVELOP A DEEP UPPER LEVEL RIDGE THAT SHOULD BRING SUBSIDENCE
AND RELATED WIDESPREAD DRIER CONDITIONS TO THE AREA SATURDAY NIGHT
THROUGH THE BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK.

WENT WITH WPC FOR TEMPERATURES THROUGH THE PERIOD.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
ISOLD TO SCT SHRA AND A FEW TSRA ACROSS THE AREA THIS EVE. THESE
SHOULD INCREASE IN COVERAGE LATER TONIGHT AS A SFC LOW TRACKS INTO
THE AREA FROM OH. MOST OF THE ACTIVITY SHOULD BE OVER N TERMINALS
WITH SOME MVFR CONDITIONS EXPECTED. OTHERWISE...EXPECT LOW CIGS TO
DEVELOP OVER THE AREA BY 09Z...WITH IFR AND PERHAPS LIFT/VLIFR
STRATUS FOR MOST TERMINALS...WITH SOME IFR VSBY POSSIBLE AS WELL.

STRATUS WILL LIFT BY 13Z FOR A RETURN TO VFR CONDITIONS...WITH
PERHAPS A BRIEF PERIOD OF MVFR CIGS IN THE TRANSITION. WILL BE
WATCHING FOR A FEW ROUNDS OF SHRA/TSRA TO CROSS THE AREA IN THE
AFTN AND ESPECIALLY THE EVE HRS. SOME OF THESE WILL BE STRONG TO
SVR BUT AT THIS DISTANCE...HAVE KEPT SOME VCTS IN.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND ALTERNATE SCENARIOS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY...

FORECAST CONFIDENCE:MEDIUM.

ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: EXTENT OF LOW STRATUS AND FG IN QUESTION.

AFTER 18Z MONDAY...IFR CONDITIONS POSSIBLE IN THUNDERSTORMS EACH
DAY.

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

&&

SYNOPSIS...KMC/ARJ
NEAR TERM...KMC/30
SHORT TERM...ARJ
LONG TERM...JB/ARJ
AVIATION...30

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 12, 10:07 AM EST, 10 hours 53 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
1107 AM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

OHZ066-067-075-076-083>086-VAZ003-004-WVZ007>011-014>020-026>029-
033>037-131515-
PERRY-MORGAN-ATHENS-WASHINGTON-JACKSON OH-VINTON-MEIGS-GALLIA-
DICKENSON-BUCHANAN-MASON-JACKSON WV-WOOD-PLEASANTS-TYLER-PUTNAM-
KANAWHA-ROANE-WIRT-CALHOUN-RITCHIE-DODDRIDGE-BOONE-CLAY-BRAXTON-
GILMER-MCDOWELL-WYOMING-RALEIGH-FAYETTE-NICHOLAS-
1107 AM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST OHIO...SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA AND MUCH OF WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

ROUNDS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL RETURN FROM MONDAY INTO
WEDNESDAY. FLASH FLOOD WATCHES MAY BE NECESSARY AGAIN.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MONDAY AND MONDAY
NIGHT.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT.

KYZ101>103-105-OHZ087-WVZ005-006-013-024-025-131515-
GREENUP-CARTER-BOYD-LAWRENCE KY-LAWRENCE OH-WAYNE-CABELL-LINCOLN-
MINGO-LOGAN-
1107 AM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST
KENTUCKY...SOUTHEAST OHIO...AND PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA
AND WESTERN WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

ROUNDS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL RETURN FROM MONDAY INTO
WEDNESDAY. FLASH FLOOD WATCHES MAY BE NECESSARY AGAIN.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ON MONDAY AND
MONDAY NIGHT.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT.

WVZ030>032-038>040-046-047-131515-
LEWIS-HARRISON-TAYLOR-WEBSTER-UPSHUR-BARBOUR-POCAHONTAS-RANDOLPH-
1107 AM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL WEST
VIRGINIA AND NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

ROUNDS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL RETURN FROM MONDAY INTO
WEDNESDAY. FLASH FLOOD WATCHES MAY BE NECESSARY AGAIN.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ON MONDAY AND
MONDAY NIGHT.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 12, 7:11 PM EST, 1 hour 49 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
811 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

WVZ008-009-130130-
JACKSON-WOOD-
811 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

...HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE WATER PROBLEMS...

AT 804 PM EDT...A SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORM WAS MOVING ACROSS EXTREME
NORTHERN JACKSON COUNTY IN WEST VIRGINIA. RADAR ESTIMATES THAT OVER
1.5 INCHES OF RAIN HAS FALLEN. THIS WILL BRING STREAMS TO
BANKFULL...WITH SOME WATER PROBLEMS EXPECTED IN AREAS OF POOR
DRAINAGE...CULVERTS...AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOTORIST SHOULD USE
EXTREME CAUTION AND BE PREPARED FOR WATER OVER ROADWAYS.

THIS STORM WAS NEAR THE POND CREEK...LAMP CREEK...CABIN FORK...AND
LITTLE POND CREEK AREAS.

LAT...LON 3908 8166 3902 8162 3899 8170 3906 8177
TIME...MOT...LOC 0004Z 240DEG 49KT 3904 8170

25

Local storm report, Jul 12, 7:48 PM EST, 1 hour 12 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
848 PM EDT SUN JUL 12 2015

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

0845 PM     HEAVY RAIN       9 NE SANDYVILLE         39.00N  81.54W
07/12/2015  M1.27 INCH       JACKSON            WV   CO-OP OBSERVER

            FELL IN 30 MINUTES. HIS CREEK IS RUNNING BANKFULL.

&&

EVENT NUMBER RLX1501580

NW

The radar

The Charleston,WV radar (KRLX), 107 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:58 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

53 thunderstorm wind, 13 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Wood

When: July 12, 9:00 PM EST to July 13, 1:30 AM EST
Where: Wood County, 0.65 mi SSE of Parkersburg to Wadeville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $650,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 39.261, -81.546

Around 65 homes had some degree of flooding around Mineralwells according to state and county emergency officials. The American Red Cross surveyed 24 apartments, 14 mobile homes, and about 24 homes damaged. The Mount Pleasant Estates subdivision had water reaching some car windows. Some residents went to their roof tops to ride out the high water. Water was also up to the windows of an apartment complex. The waters from Little Tygart Creek completely cut through Lincolnshire Street and washed out a culvert. A travel trailer at the fair grounds was lifted up by the flood waters and started to float. Its occupant tried to climb onto its roof, but was unharmed when the trailer ran aground. A car was submerged along Route 14.

Flash Flood, Nicholas

When: July 13, 4:45 AM EST to 6:30 AM EST
Where: Nicholas County, Craigsville to Coe
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $350,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.330, -80.650

Runoff of the mountainsides flooded the streets of Richwood and Leivasy. According to the emergency manager, water quickly overwhelmed drainage lines and backed into streets. Minor drainage damage occurrred to a total of 20 homes and businesses in the Richwood area. Other damage included cracks and holes in side streets, but no major damage to major roads.

Flash Flood, Webster

When: July 13, 5:45 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where: Webster County, 1 mi NE of Webster Spgs to 2.24 mi E of Diana
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $600,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.490, -80.407

Numerous roads were closed by flooding streams or runoff and debris off mountainsides. This included Route 15 and 20 between Webster Springs and Diana. Runoff came off the steep mountainsides and ran through the streets of Webster Springs. Water came down off of Spillman Mountain. The mountainside had a 26 percent grade or slope. The small unnamed stream overflowed. Its water ran down Euclyde Street and torn up the asphalt on Miller Mountain Road in front of the hospital. Water got inside the hospital too, causing it to close temporarily. The kitchen area of the hospital was most affected. A few windows were shattered.

The emergency room opened shortly after the flooding. Inpatient services were up and running a few days after the flood through the use of a mobile kitchen.

Flash Flood, Braxton

When: July 13, 6:00 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where: Braxton County, Flatwoods to Newville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.720, -80.650

Roads were flooded, damaged, and closed around Sutton, including Route 4 along Granny Creek. Centralia Road was heavily damaged and undermined in sections by the Left Fork and Spruce Fork. Residents along Centralia Road lost water when a water pipe was exposed. A water rescue also took place from a vehicle stalled in flood waters. Even the water on downtown streets in Sutton was 6 to 12 inches deep. Culverts were washed out and numerous road closures occurred around Little Birch.

Many campgrounds in the headwaters of Sutton Lake were flooded. Yet, that was by design. Runoff was stored behind the dam, causing the lake elevation to rise several feet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mason

When: July 13, 2:45 PM EST
Where: Mason County, Gallipolis Ferry
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.770, -82.180

Trees fell onto power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mason

When: July 13, 3:00 PM EST
Where: Mason County, Ashton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.620, -82.170

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When: July 13, 3:12 PM EST
Where: Lincoln County, Midkiff
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.170, -82.180

Trees were knocked down.

Flash Flood, Cabell

When: July 13, 3:15 PM EST to 4:00 PM EST
Where: Cabell County, Huntington to 0.67 mi E of Huntington
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.420, -82.450

The 8th and 10th Street viaducts were flooded and closed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When: July 13, 3:24 PM EST to 3:25 PM EST
Where: Lincoln County, Spurlockville to 2.15 mi WSW of Mud
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.130, -82.020

Trees were blown down around Spurlockville and near Big Ugly Wildlife Area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Putnam

When: July 13, 3:36 PM EST
Where: Putnam County, Poca
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.470, -81.820

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: July 13, 3:41 PM EST
Where: Logan County, Rossmore
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.800, -81.980

Trees fell across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: July 13, 3:50 PM EST
Where: Logan County, 2 mi NW of Sarah Ann
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.721, -82.006

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kanawha

When: July 13, 4:05 PM EST
Where: Kanawha County, Charleston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.350, -81.630

Trees were blown down in scattered locations about town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wyoming

When: July 13, 4:23 PM EST
Where: Wyoming County, Kopperston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.750, -81.570

Trees were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind, McDowell

When: July 13, 4:35 PM EST
Where: McDowell County, Roderfield
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.450, -81.700

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: July 13, 4:35 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, Montgomery
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.180, -81.320

Trees fell along Route 61.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wyoming

When: July 13, 4:36 PM EST
Where: Wyoming County, 0.59 mi E of Rockview
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.621, -81.539

Trees were blown across Route 10.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: July 13, 4:36 PM EST
Where: Clay County, Clay
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.470, -81.080

Trees were brought down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wyoming

When: July 13, 4:40 PM EST
Where: Wyoming County, Pineville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.580, -81.530

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, McDowell

When: July 13, 4:45 PM EST
Where: McDowell County, 0.52 mi N of Welch
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.438, -81.580

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: July 13, 4:48 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, 1.91 mi SSE of Packs Branch
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.873, -81.223

Trees fell along Maple Fork Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Raleigh

When: July 13, 4:48 PM EST
Where: Raleigh County, 0.37 mi NNE of Mac Arthur
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.755, -81.216

Trees were knocked down along Oakhurst Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: July 13, 4:54 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, 0.65 mi SE of Gatewood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.014, -81.061

Trees fell along Gatewood Road.

Flash Flood, Kanawha

When: July 14, 1:30 AM EST to 6:30 AM EST
Where: Kanawha County, Nitro to Tornado
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.420, -81.830

Numerous creeks quickly flooded near the Lincoln and Putnam County lines. A few examples of water flowing over roads included along Browns Creek, Angel Fork, Alum Creek, and Two and Three Quarter Mile Creek.

Flash Flood, Mason

When: July 14, 1:45 AM EST to 5:30 AM EST
Where: Mason County, 0.72 mi NNE of Glenwood to 1.06 mi NE of Gallipolis
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.590, -82.176

Streams south and west of the Kanawha River quickly flooded and blocked roads. One example was along Jerrys Run.

Flash Flood, Lincoln

When: July 14, 2:10 AM EST to 5:30 AM EST
Where: Lincoln County, Alkol to 1.51 mi WSW of Ranger
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.170, -81.920

The worst flooding appeared along Straight Fork and Route 3 in the Yawkey and Griffithsville area. The flood prone area around Griffithsville is where Sams Branch and Valley Fork combine to flow into Straight Fork. Other flooded feeder streams included Bear Fork and Sugartree Fork. There were at least 5 water rescues from vehicles. Water surrounded and got into homes. Roads and private bridges were damaged. Culverts were washed out or damaged, including a large 5 foot drain pipe.

The water crested 27 inches deep in the Duval Fire Department. The assistant chief of the fire department said, It looked like white water rafting. You wouldn't know it was a river or a road. An auto repair shop was damaged. The water was 2 to 3 feet into the Griffithsville Post Office. In Yawkey, 2 ambulances at the medic station got water inside. Further south, 9 Mile Creek flooded roads near Ranger.

Initial damage assessment had about a dozen homes with major damage and around 50 homes with minor damage. In the wake of the flood, a few dozen homes were inaccessible due to damaged private bridges or driveways.

Flash Flood, Putnam

When: July 14, 2:15 AM EST to 6:30 AM EST
Where: Putnam County, Robertsburg to Albatross
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.650, -81.950

Numerous streams quickly flooded. One example was Scary Creek with 3 feet of water over the road. There was significant urban flooding with drainage into basements. The Hurricane Lake Reservoir overflowed over Routhe 34. Low spots along Teays Valley Road had about 3 feet of water. Hurricane Creek crested just over 16 feet. Buffalo Creek flooded the county fair grounds near Eleanor.

The emergency manager reported about 3 homes in the Poca vicinity with damage.

Flash Flood, Cabell

When: July 14, 2:45 AM EST to 5:30 AM EST
Where: Cabell County, Homestead to 2 mi N of Inez
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.580, -82.250

Creeks overflowed and closed roads over the northern and eastern portion of the county. One example was Johns Creek around Milton.

Flash Flood, Boone

When: July 14, 3:00 AM EST to 7:00 AM EST
Where: Boone County, Dartmont to 1.05 mi E of Julian
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.200, -81.720

Several small streams overflowed and closed roads. One example was Tony Creek near Bloomingrose. Another example was County Route 26. It was closed between Gordon and Bandytown.

Flash Flood, Raleigh

When: July 14, 3:30 AM EST to 6:30 AM EST
Where: Raleigh County, Leevale to Bolt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.970, -81.530

Streams overflowed quickly and closed roads. One example was North Sand Branch northwest of Prosperity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wood

When: July 14, 3:22 PM EST
Where: Wood County, Vienna
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.330, -81.530

Trees fell onto power lines. Electricity was out.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wood

When: July 14, 3:36 PM EST
Where: Wood County, Mineral Wells
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.180, -81.530

Trees fell onto power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pleasants

When: July 14, 3:40 PM EST
Where: Pleasants County, 0.93 mi W of Cluster
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.330, -81.347

Several trees were blown down on Oak Grove Road. A few houses had roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mason

When: July 14, 3:45 PM EST
Where: Mason County, Mason
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 39.020, -82.030

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ritchie

When: July 14, 4:00 PM EST
Where: Ritchie County, 1.04 mi NE of Cairo to 1.31 mi ENE of Cairo
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.210, -81.156

Several trees were blown from near East Street and the North Fork of the Hughes River to along Hill Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ritchie

When: July 14, 4:02 PM EST
Where: Ritchie County, Pennsboro
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 39.280, -80.970

A few trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mason

When: July 14, 4:10 PM EST
Where: Mason County, Leon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.750, -81.950

Trees fell onto power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Doddridge

When: July 14, 4:12 PM EST
Where: Doddridge County, 1.65 mi SSW of Camp
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 39.327, -80.809

Trees were blown down across Route 18.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wirt

When: July 14, 4:15 PM EST
Where: Wirt County, Elizabeth
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 39.070, -81.400

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Roane

When: July 14, 4:45 PM EST to 4:55 PM EST
Where: Roane County, 2.33 mi SE of Gandeeville to 1.91 mi SE of Roxalana
Measured: 96 kt (110 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.677, -81.368

Straight line wind damage began on Round Knob Road and ended 1 mile before the Looney Fork and Poca Road intersection. This is in the vicinity of Looneyville. The estimated strongest wind gust from a National Weather Service survey was 110 mph.

An impressive area of damage was seen toward the end of the path. Numerous trees over 1 foot in diameter were snapped at the trunk in a wide hillside area just south of Poca Road. Luckily, only a few structures had minor roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: July 14, 4:48 PM EST
Where: Calhoun County, Arnoldsburg
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.780, -81.130

Trees fell onto power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: July 14, 4:54 PM EST
Where: Calhoun County, Orma
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.750, -81.100

Trees were blown down.

Flash Flood, Cabell

When: July 14, 5:00 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where: Cabell County, Huntington to 1.92 mi WSW of Salt Rock
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.420, -82.450

Small streams around Pea Ridge quickly rose and flooded roads. Yards flooded with water getting inside a few outbuildings. Several vehicles stalled in high water. The viaducts and streets in Huntington also flooded. One example was Norway Ave.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kanawha

When: July 14, 5:02 PM EST
Where: Kanawha County, 0.99 mi WNW of Charleston
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.358, -81.645

A roof and siding to a car wash were blown off. Debris was thrown a few hundred yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When: July 14, 5:06 PM EST
Where: Lincoln County, Hamlin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.280, -82.100

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cabell

When: July 14, 5:10 PM EST
Where: Cabell County, Huntington
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.420, -82.450

Several trees were blown down. Electrical outages occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wayne

When: July 14, 5:12 PM EST
Where: Wayne County, Wayne
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.220, -82.430

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nicholas

When: July 14, 5:15 PM EST
Where: Nicholas County, Birch River
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.500, -80.750

Trees were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Braxton

When: July 14, 5:20 PM EST
Where: Braxton County, 0.27 mi ENE of Gassaway
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.671, -80.765

Trees were blown down along Route 4.

Thunderstorm Wind, Braxton

When: July 14, 5:22 PM EST
Where: Braxton County, 0.62 mi WSW of Polemic
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.548, -80.761

Trees were knocked down along Polemic Run.

Thunderstorm Wind, Braxton

When: July 14, 5:25 PM EST
Where: Braxton County, 2.97 mi ENE of Tesla
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.614, -80.648

Trees were blown down along Centralia Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Boone

When: July 14, 5:28 PM EST
Where: Boone County, Racine
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.130, -81.670

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Upshur

When: July 14, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Upshur County, Hodgesville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.070, -80.200

Trees were blown down. The siding and roof to a mobile home were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nicholas

When: July 14, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Nicholas County, Craigsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.330, -80.650

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: July 14, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Logan County, Chapmanville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.980, -82.020

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: July 14, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, Fayetteville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.050, -81.100

Several trees were blown down. Power outages occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Boone

When: July 14, 5:56 PM EST
Where: Boone County, 1.5 mi WSW of Haddleton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.018, -81.853

Trees fell along Low Gap Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: July 14, 6:00 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, 0.66 mi SE of Fayetteville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.045, -81.090

Large tree branches were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: July 14, 6:00 PM EST
Where: Logan County, Logan
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.850, -82.000

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Boone

When: July 14, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Boone County, 1.79 mi WNW of Ramage
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.988, -81.861

Trees fell along Six Mile Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mingo

When: July 14, 6:15 PM EST
Where: Mingo County, Williamson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.680, -82.280

Several trees were blown down. The electricity was out.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mingo

When: July 14, 6:30 PM EST
Where: Mingo County, Gilbert
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.620, -81.870

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mingo

When: July 14, 6:30 PM EST
Where: Mingo County, Gilbert
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.620, -81.870

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wyoming

When: July 14, 6:35 PM EST
Where: Wyoming County, 0.36 mi NW of Clear Fork
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.633, -81.685

Large branches were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wyoming

When: July 14, 6:45 PM EST
Where: Wyoming County, Pineville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.580, -81.530

Trees were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind, McDowell

When: July 14, 7:00 PM EST
Where: McDowell County, Welch
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.430, -81.580

Trees were blown down. Power lines fell.

What these are

Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in West Virginia in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history Warnings in West Virginia, July 2015

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 578170, 578178, 578177, 578176, 578188, 578189, 578206, 578190, 578191, 578193, 578204, 578192, 578194, 578195, 578198, 578202, 578196, 578207, 578197, 578199, 578200, 578201, 578203, 578923, 578921, 578925, 578922, 578924, 578954, 578955, 578989, 578990, 578974, 578991, 578973, 578992, 578993, 578994, 578995, 578969, and more.