A low pressure system and attendant cold front worked its way through the Ohio Valley on August 21st and into West Virginia. An abundance of moisture was already in place ahead of the frontal passage, which allowed for showers and storms ahead of the front to dump heavy downpours across northeastern West Virginia.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS RLX wrote it up.
A low pressure system and attendant cold front worked its way through the Ohio Valley on August 21st and into West Virginia. An abundance of moisture was already in place ahead of the frontal passage, which allowed for showers and storms ahead of the front to dump heavy downpours across northeastern West Virginia. Strong to severe storms progressed east of the Ohio River by the afternoon of the 21st, resulting in a few downed trees in Jackson County and Nicholas County. The threat then transitioned over to flash flooding as heavy downpours prevailed. Localized high water issues arose on roadways in the state that evening into the early morning hours of August 22nd, with one instance of a bridge washing out.
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 Aug 21, 2:05 AM EST, 58 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Charleston WV 305 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022 .SYNOPSIS... A series of disturbances through the weekend and start of the new work week. Drier conditions are then expected for the remainder of the week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 305 AM Sunday... Active weather day in the near term period. Upper trough to our west with surface low and cold front over IL. These features will move east into our area later today and tonight, with showers and thunderstorms becoming numerous across the area. Very moist air mass currently in place, with PW values already approaching 1.6 to 1.7 across western zones will result in storms with heavy downpours once again, along with localized flooding issues, particularly if there are repetitive storms in a location in a short period of time. Will allow the day shift to determine if a watch is needed. There is still a possibility for severe storms later this afternoon and evening mainly across the western half of the CWA with 1000-2000 J/kg cape, and around 30 kts of shear, with damaging winds the primary threat, assuming enough organization is able to occur. Cold front should be just to the west of the CWA at the end of the period, with a gradual decrease in coverage of convection late Sunday night, before revamping again on Monday. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... As of 235 PM Saturday... An upper shortwave trough will be shifting eastward overhead, while the associated low pushes a cold front across the area early next week. Showers and storms are likely to be ongoing at the beginning of the short term period, though thunderstorms should diminish in coverage and intensity while showers persist through the night. Both shower and storm activity becomes more robust again during the day Monday. Heavy rainfall may be possible within storms, although there are no current highlights for excessive rainfall as any flooding issues should be localized. The axis of the shortwave trough is projected to pass through by Tuesday morning and heights begin to rise as the low lifts northeast; however, a broad upper trough will remain present over the eastern US. Less active conditions are expected to occur following the exit of the trough axis, then moisture lingering behind the departing low is likely to support scattered showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday - primarily in the afternoon and evening. Cloud cover and precipitation are likely to keep temperatures a tad below normal early next week. Daytime highs should range from upper 70s to mid 80s in the lowlands, and mid 60s to 70s along the mountains. && .LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 235 PM Saturday... A broad trough continues over the eastern US through the end of the work week, then lifts to the north as ridging over the Atlantic begins building into the southeast US during the weekend. Drier weather is generally expected mid to late week, though isolated to scattered showers and storms could be possible during peak heating each afternoon and evening. Shortwaves passing through the trough may also help to enhance activity at times. Temperatures are expected to warm to around normal mid week and then remain seasonable for the rest of the long term period. && .AVIATION /07Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 120 AM Sunday... Bulk of convection is exiting to the east of the area, with mainly VFR conditions across the area. However, areas of MVFR with local IFR are possible after 09Z in particular, with improvement after 13Z. There could be some VLIFR fog forming at KEKN this evening. However, showers and thunderstorms will increase again on Sunday, particularly after 12-15Z, with brief MVFR/IFR conditions in vicinity of storms. Some storms may be on the severe side with gusty winds and hail, particularly across the Mid Ohio Valley region. FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND ALTERNATE SCENARIOS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY... FORECAST CONFIDENCE: Medium. ALTERNATE SCENARIOS: MVFR conditions tonight may not be as widespread as forecast. Onset timing and location of convection and/or intensity of reduced flight conditions may vary. Fog in mountain valleys could be reduced by any thunderstorms. 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 SUN 08/21/22 UTC 1HRLY 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 EDT 1HRLY 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 CRW CONSISTENCY H H M H L M M H M H L H HTS CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H M H H BKW CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H H H H EKN CONSISTENCY H L L L L L L M H H H H PKB CONSISTENCY H H H H H H H H H L H H CKB CONSISTENCY H H H H H M H H H H H H AFTER 06Z MONDAY... Brief IFR in showers and storms through Monday. IFR fog possible Wednesday morning. && .RLX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WV...None. OH...None. KY...None. VA...None. && SYNOPSIS...JP/SL NEAR TERM...SL SHORT TERM...JLB LONG TERM...JLB AVIATION...SL
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston WV 403 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022 KYZ101>103-105-OHZ066-067-075-076-083>087-VAZ003-004-WVZ005>011- 013>020-024>026-029-031-220815- Greenup-Carter-Boyd-Lawrence KY-Perry-Morgan-Athens-Washington- Jackson OH-Vinton-Meigs-Gallia-Lawrence OH-Dickenson-Buchanan-Wayne- Cabell-Mason-Jackson WV-Wood-Pleasants-Tyler-Lincoln-Putnam-Kanawha- Roane-Wirt-Calhoun-Ritchie-Doddridge-Mingo-Logan-Boone-Gilmer- Harrison- 403 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, and portions of central West Virginia, northern West Virginia, southern West Virginia and western West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. A marginal risk for severe thunderstorms exists this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds are the primary threat. In addition, heavy downpours may lead to localized flooding issues particularly if repetitive storms occur over a location. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Additional showers and storms, some with heavy downpours are expected on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. WVZ027-028-030-032>034-039-040-515>526-220815- Clay-Braxton-Lewis-Taylor-McDowell-Wyoming-Upshur-Barbour- Northwest Raleigh-Southeast Raleigh-Northwest Fayette- Southeast Fayette-Northwest Nicholas-Southeast Nicholas- Northwest Webster-Southeast Webster-Northwest Pocahontas- Southeast Pocahontas-Northwest Randolph-Southeast Randolph- 403 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central West Virginia, northeast West Virginia, northern West Virginia, southeast West Virginia and southern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flooding issues particularly if repetitive storms occur over a location. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Additional showers and storms, some with heavy downpours are expected on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
1045 PM EDT SAT AUG 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0758 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ESE JUNCTION CITY 39.71N 82.28W
08/20/2022 PERRY OH 911 CALL CENTER
PERRY COUNTY 911 CENTER HAD A REPORT OF A
TREE DOWN ON TOWNSHIP ROAD 122. TIME
ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
201 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
WVZ005-013-024>026-210645-
Boone WV-Lincoln WV-Logan WV-Mingo WV-Wayne WV-
201 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Mingo,
central Lincoln, Logan, southeastern Wayne and southwestern Boone
Counties through 245 AM EDT...
At 201 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Dunlow to near Delbarton. Movement was
northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Logan, Hamlin, Chapmanville, Delbarton, Ranger, Mount Gay-Shamrock,
Spurlockville, Harts, Chief Logan State, Holden, Gill, Dunlow, Red
Jacket, Amherstdale-Robinette, West Logan, Mitchell Heights, Mount
Gay, Chauncey, Turtle Creek and Myrtle.
This includes Route 119 between mile markers 5 and 50.
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.
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 3829 8209 3785 8164 3765 8215 3797 8247
3798 8246 3799 8247
TIME...MOT...LOC 0601Z 234DEG 19KT 3797 8236 3775 8215
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
JPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
239 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
WVZ013>015-025-026-210730-
Boone WV-Kanawha WV-Lincoln WV-Logan WV-Putnam WV-
239 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southwestern Kanawha,
southern Putnam, Lincoln, northwestern Logan and Boone Counties
through 330 AM EDT...
At 238 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Ranger to near Chief Logan State. Movement
was northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Charleston, Nitro, Madison, Winfield, Hamlin, Jefferson, South
Charleston, St. Albans, Dunbar, Chesapeake, Marmet, Belle,
Chapmanville, Poca, East Bank, Van, Ranger, Harts, Cross Lanes and
Gill.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 77 in West Virginia near mile marker 99.
Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 39 and 57.
West Virginia Turnpike between mile markers 77 and 94.
Route 119 between mile markers 32 and 80.
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.
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 3853 8185 3816 8138 3781 8193 3812 8226
3813 8226 3814 8228
TIME...MOT...LOC 0638Z 223DEG 24KT 3815 8216 3792 8193
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
JPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
316 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
WVZ008-014>016-210745-
Jackson WV-Roane WV-Kanawha WV-Putnam WV-
316 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Kanawha, southeastern Putnam, southwestern Roane and southeastern
Jackson Counties through 345 AM EDT...
At 316 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Institute, or near Nitro, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Charleston, Nitro, Jefferson, South Charleston, St. Albans, Dunbar,
Sissonville, Poca, Cross Lanes, Institute, Tornado, Alum Creek, Teays
Valley and Liberty.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 79 between mile markers 1 and 9.
Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 101 and 124.
Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 43 and 57.
Route 119 between mile markers 70 and 80.
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.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels on
small creeks and streams, and ponding of water in urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage
areas and low lying spots.
&&
LAT...LON 3868 8169 3855 8138 3825 8175 3828 8180
3829 8181 3831 8181 3832 8182 3832 8184
3831 8185 3836 8193
TIME...MOT...LOC 0716Z 217DEG 28KT 3838 8177
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
JPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
317 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
WVZ015-026-515-517-210745-
Northwest Raleigh WV-Boone WV-Kanawha WV-Northwest Fayette WV-
317 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Kanawha, northwestern Fayette and northeastern Boone Counties through
345 AM EDT...
At 317 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Van, or 8 miles southeast of Madison, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Madison, Montgomery, Chesapeake, Belle, Cedar Grove, East Bank,
Glasgow, Smithers, Pratt, Van, Burnwell, Powellton, Whitesville,
Handley, Sylvester, Seth, Leewood, Dawes, Prenter and Sharon.
This includes West Virginia Turnpike between mile markers 65 and 87.
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.
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 3789 8167 3803 8181 3833 8140 3808 8118
TIME...MOT...LOC 0717Z 233DEG 32KT 3801 8167
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
JPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
343 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
WVZ008-014>016-210815-
Jackson WV-Roane WV-Kanawha WV-Putnam WV-
343 AM EDT Sun Aug 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Kanawha, northeastern Putnam, southwestern Roane and southeastern
Jackson Counties through 415 AM EDT...
At 342 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Sissonville, or 9 miles east of Winfield, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Sissonville, Kenna, Statts Mills, Harmony, Kentuck, Liberty, Gay,
Walton and Gandeeville.
This includes Interstate 77 in West Virginia between mile markers 109
and 131.
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.
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 3842 8166 3853 8185 3886 8159 3868 8129
TIME...MOT...LOC 0742Z 217DEG 25KT 3854 8170
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
JPThe Charleston,WV radar (KRLX), 39 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:03 UTC.
6 flash flood, 2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A few trees were blown down along Kentuck Road.
Several trees were blown down along Turnpike Road near the Swiss township to Whitewater Road.
High water was observed over several roads in the Turtle Creek area, resulting in road closures. These included Lick Creek Road, Mud River Road, Sparse Creek Road, and Big Ugly Creek Road.
Multiple sections of Wilsonburg Road were under water near the town of Reynoldsville.
Several roadways were flooded within the town of Mansfield.
Portions of a bridge on Cabin Run Road were washed away due to high water.
High water was observed along Route 16 near Big Otter.
Near the town of Sutton, Herold Road was inundated with water for a brief period of time.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in West Virginia in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in West Virginia, August 2022
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: 1046344, 1046345, 1046424, 1046429, 1046431, 1046432, 1046433, 1046434.