An approaching cold front kicked off showers and thunderstorms across the mid and upper Ohio River Valley. Several storms moved over the same area of Wood County, WV, resulting in up to two inches of rainfall within several hours.
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The episode as NWS RLX wrote it up.
An approaching cold front kicked off showers and thunderstorms across the mid and upper Ohio River Valley. Several storms moved over the same area of Wood County, WV, resulting in up to two inches of rainfall within several hours.
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 Apr 16, 8:00 PM EST, 43 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston WV 900 PM EDT Sun Apr 16 2017 .SYNOPSIS... Cold front crosses the region overnight, with showers and thunderstorms. The weather remains unsettled for much of the week with a surface boundary oscillating in the vicinity. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 9 PM Sunday... Did a quick update to slow PoPs associated with line of showers and thunderstorms being held up by wave over the middle Ohio Valley. As of 830 pm Sunday... Forecast on track with line of showers and thunderstorms crossing the middle Ohio Valley. With marginal shear, the thunderstorms should diminish on the loss of heating, although this was proving to be a slow process thus far. Lowered PoPs early on farther to the south and east, was showers and thunderstorms earlier has moved out and dissipated. The rainfall was getting close to excessive along the line in northern Athens and southern Washington counties in Ohio, where the slowness of the line was creating training. This could become more of an issue of the storms continue to hold together. As of 230 PM Sunday... Moisture rich and unstable air mass sparking plenty of showers and thunderstorms across the area. Most convection is forecast to be your garden variety storms with instability generally < 500 J/kg of MU CAPE. A few spunkier storms south of CRW have likely been enhanced by strong mid to low level flow interacting with rain shields. Most upper level dynamics remain well to our north mitigating any strong convection. Tall, thin CAPE profiles also lend towards minimal convective maintenance. Will have to watch for training storms this evening and overnight as there could be local flooding issues with the potential for 2+" of rainfall in a rather short period of time due to the front flattening out and slowing down of the 1.25-1.50" PWAT air. Right now, the best threat for training looks to be in the northern portion of our CWA. Once the front arrives, it should move any remaining convection through decreasing the training threat. Most places should see a half to an inch of rain from this front. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 300 PM Sunday... Cold front will be slowly sagging southward across the southern CWA to start the period. Models show another little wave riding along the front Monday night, holding it up some. Maintained some slight chance POPs across the far south Tuesday with some uncertainty of just how far south the front will sag before returning back north as a warm front Wednesday with showers and thunderstorms crossing the forecast area. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 300 PM Sunday... Used a blend of model consensus and WPC through most of the long term with several upper level waves passing. Both GFS and ECMWF show a cold front crossing Thursday evening/overnight. Things get a bit more uncertain after that as GFS/ECMWF have different solutions on storms system in the region for the second half of the weekend. && .AVIATION /01Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 830 PM Sunday... A line of showers and thunderstorms was crossing the middle Ohio Valley including PKB, oriented fromm northeast to southwest out ahead of a cold front that stretched from northwest Ohio southwest through central Indiana and southern Illinois. The thunderstorms will weaken as the line moves slowly southeast overnight. By the time the line reaches CKB and HTS around 03Z, the thunderstorm threat will be very low. The line should reach EKN after 03Z and CRW after 06Z, and, lastly, BKW toward 09Z early Monday morning. The showers will bring MVFR conditions at times during about a 6-hour interval overnight, ending with the passage of the cold front. IFR, mainly on ceilings, is possible near the end of the showers and as the cold front crosses. The best chance for this is generally overnight, earlier if at all at PKB, and later at BKW, perhaps not until close to daybreak on Monday. Monday morning will see quickly improving conditions from north to south, as the stratus lifts. Lowland sites should already be VFR at dawn while the mountains take until late morning, especially BKW. Southwest surface flow will become light northwest behind the t=cold front overnight, and light north to northwest over the lowlands, and light northwest over the mountains, on Monday. Moderate southwest flow aloft overnight will become light to moderate west to northwest behind the cold front overnight and Monday morning, and then light north to northwest Monday afternoon. FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND ALTERNATE SCENARIOS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY... FORECAST CONFIDENCE: Medium ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: Timing of MVFR or worse conditions in showers and thunderstorms overnight may vary. Improvement in ceilings as stratus and stratocu lift late overnight and Monday morning may vary. 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. DATE MON 04/17/17 UTC 1HRLY 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 EDT 1HRLY 20 21 22 23 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 CRW CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H M M L M HTS CONSISTENCY H H H H H M M M M M M L BKW CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H M M L EKN CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H L M M L PKB CONSISTENCY H H H H H H M L H L L L CKB CONSISTENCY H H H M H H H H L L M L AFTER 00Z TUESDAY... No widespread IFR conditions expected at this time. && .RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WV...None. OH...None. KY...None. VA...None. && SYNOPSIS...TRM/JW/MZ NEAR TERM...TRM/JW SHORT TERM...MZ LONG TERM...MZ AVIATION...TRM
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston WV 419 AM EDT Sun Apr 16 2017 KYZ101>103-105-OHZ066-067-075-076-083>087-WVZ005>011-013>020-027>032- 039-040-170830- Greenup-Carter-Boyd-Lawrence KY-Perry-Morgan-Athens-Washington- Jackson OH-Vinton-Meigs-Gallia-Lawrence OH-Wayne-Cabell-Mason- Jackson WV-Wood-Pleasants-Tyler-Lincoln-Putnam-Kanawha-Roane-Wirt- Calhoun-Ritchie-Doddridge-Clay-Braxton-Gilmer-Lewis-Harrison-Taylor- Upshur-Barbour- 419 AM EDT Sun Apr 16 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio and much of West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. However, there is a threat for isolated severe thunderstorms late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. These storms may also contain torrential rainfall and potential will exist for localized flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. VAZ003-004-WVZ024>026-033-034-515>526-170830- Dickenson-Buchanan-Mingo-Logan-Boone-McDowell-Wyoming- Northwest Raleigh-Southeast Raleigh-Northwest Fayette- Southeast Fayette-Northwest Nicholas-Southeast Nicholas- Northwest Webster-Southeast Webster-Northwest Pocahontas- Southeast Pocahontas-Northwest Randolph-Southeast Randolph- 419 AM EDT Sun Apr 16 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia, and portions of northeast West Virginia, southeast West Virginia and southern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
729 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
OHZ067-076-WVZ009-010-170000-
Washington-Morgan-Wood-Pleasants-
729 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN WASHINGTON...SOUTH
CENTRAL MORGAN...SOUTHWESTERN PLEASANTS AND NORTHEASTERN WOOD
COUNTIES...
At 727 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were located across southern
Morgan and Washington counties moving east at 30 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail are possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Parkersburg, Marietta, Belpre, Vienna, Williamstown, Belmont, Boaz,
Newport, North Hills, Willow Island, Waverly, Fleming, Bartlett,
Devola and Blennerhassett.
THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS...
Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 174 and 186.
Interstate 77 in Ohio between mile markers 1 and 5.
Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 5 and 23.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to travel across
flooded roads. Find alternate routes. It takes only a few inches of
swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away.
LAT...LON 3947 8120 3917 8132 3917 8133 3935 8185
3944 8185 3951 8182
TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 279DEG 26KT 3939 8163
14Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Charleston WV 757 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017 OHZ076-WVZ009-010-019-170030- Washington-Ritchie-Wood-Pleasants- 757 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL WASHINGTON...CENTRAL PLEASANTS...NORTHWESTERN RITCHIE AND NORTHEASTERN WOOD COUNTIES... At 756 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were located near Boaz, or near Marietta, moving east at 40 mph. Half inch hail is possible with these storms. Locations impacted include... Marietta, St. Marys, Vienna, Williamstown, Belmont, Boaz, Newport, North Hills, Willow Island, Nutter Farm, Schultz, Waverly, Fleming and Devola. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS... Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 180 and 186. Interstate 77 in Ohio between mile markers 1 and 4. Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 23 and 27. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. LAT...LON 3946 8110 3923 8122 3935 8166 3947 8157 TIME...MOT...LOC 2356Z 268DEG 38KT 3941 8152 14
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
820 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
OHZ076-WVZ009-010-019-170045-
Washington-Ritchie-Wood-Pleasants-
820 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT EAST CENTRAL WASHINGTON...
PLEASANTS...CENTRAL RITCHIE AND NORTHEASTERN WOOD COUNTIES...
At 820 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Belmont, or
near St. Marys, moving southeast at 40 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Harrisville, St. Marys, Pennsboro, Belmont, North Bend State Park,
Newport, Ellenboro, Cairo, Pullman, Willow Island, Nutter Farm,
Maxwell, Schultz, Pike and Highland.
This includes Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 20 and
45.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to travel across
flooded roads. Find alternate routes. It takes only a few inches of
swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away.
LAT...LON 3935 8101 3934 8100 3934 8099 3931 8089
3929 8089 3927 8091 3924 8090 3908 8096
3928 8140 3943 8132
TIME...MOT...LOC 0020Z 292DEG 33KT 3932 8120
14Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
835 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
OHZ067-075-076-170330-
Washington-Athens-Morgan-
835 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
...Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will continue to AFFECT
WASHINGTON...SOUTHERN MORGAN AND CENTRAL ATHENS COUNTIES...
At 833 PM EDT, thunderstorms with heavy rainfall were slowly moving
southeast across southeast Ohio.
Locations impacted include...
Athens, Marietta, Nelsonville, Glouster, Beverly, Chesterhill,
Williamstown, Chauncey, Buchtel, Lowell, Jacksonville, Trimble,
Amesville, Lower Salem, Stroud Run State Park, Fleming, Bartlett,
Devola and The Plains.
This includes Interstate 77 in Ohio between mile markers 1 and 13.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways. Be alert to the potential for flash flooding, particularly
if you live along a flood prone creek or stream.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to travel across
flooded roads. Find alternate routes. It takes only a few inches of
swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away.
In addition, be especially careful if traveling at night as water
covered roadways are difficult to spot.
LAT...LON 3958 8126 3939 8127 3934 8135 3934 8139
3939 8141 3941 8146 3935 8155 3930 8157
3931 8229 3947 8228 3947 8217 3949 8216
3951 8183 3953 8174 3959 8169
TIME...MOT...LOC 0033Z 259DEG 33KT 3939 8183
14Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Charleston WV 845 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017 WVZ010-011-019-020-170115- Doddridge-Ritchie-Pleasants-Tyler- 845 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL PLEASANTS...NORTHERN RITCHIE...CENTRAL DODDRIDGE AND SOUTHWESTERN TYLER COUNTIES... At 845 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Pennsboro, or 7 miles northeast of Harrisville, moving east at 30 mph. Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Harrisville, St. Marys, Pennsboro, West Union, Ellenboro, Pullman, Greenwood, Blandville, Maxwell, Grove, Leopold, Schultz, New Milton, Smithburg, Mountain, Hebron, Pike, Canton and Highland. This includes Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 32 and 60. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to travel across flooded roads. Find alternate routes. It takes only a few inches of swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away. LAT...LON 3936 8063 3909 8071 3931 8127 3940 8121 TIME...MOT...LOC 0045Z 277DEG 25KT 3930 8099 14
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
905 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
WVZ009>011-019-020-170400-
Doddridge-Ritchie-Wood-Pleasants-Tyler-
905 PM EDT SUN APR 16 2017
...Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall WILL AFFECT PLEASANTS...CENTRAL
RITCHIE... DODDRIDGE...SOUTHWESTERN TYLER AND NORTHERN WOOD
COUNTIES...
At 903 PM EDT, a line of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall were
moving southeast across the Mid Ohio Valley.
Locations impacted include...
Parkersburg, Belpre, Harrisville, St. Marys, Vienna, Williamstown,
Pennsboro, Belmont, West Union, North Bend State Park, Boaz,
Washington, North Hills, Ellenboro, Cairo, Pullman, Maxwell, Schultz,
Mountain and Hebron.
THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS...
Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 174 and 186.
Route 50 in West Virginia between mile markers 1 and 60.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to travel across
flooded roads. Find alternate routes. It takes only a few inches of
swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away.
Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the
roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross
safely. Move to higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when
water covered roadways may be difficult to see.
LAT...LON 3938 8062 3911 8070 3926 8169 3928 8164
3927 8157 3931 8156 3935 8154 3941 8145
3938 8140 3934 8139 3935 8135 3939 8127
3939 8122 3941 8121 3941 8119
TIME...MOT...LOC 0103Z 276DEG 49KT 3932 8134
14The Charleston,WV radar (KRLX), 119 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:44 UTC.
1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Heavy rain caused flooding at the intersection of North Dry Run Road and North Oak Grove Road along Big Run Creek near Williamstown.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in West Virginia in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in West Virginia, April 2017
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: 680854.