Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – Forecasters are warning that a powerful storm system set to reach southern West Virginia on Tuesday evening could bring more damage than a typical summer storm. Emergency planners across the region are encouraging families to prepare before it arrives.
Stormwatch Meteorologist Christian Boteler said the setup carries more force than usual for late July.
“So there’s a lot of energy that’s going to be with this system. And the cold front is going to be stronger than usual. It’s got a lot of shear with it, so those aspects definitely make things stronger,” Boteler said.
How strong the storms ultimately become may come down to when the front moves through, he said.
“The first thing I can think about is timing. If that front comes in a little earlier than usual, a little later than usual, that could definitely tip the scales, whether this is more or less impactful,” Boteler said.
Even with that uncertainty, he said the primary threats are coming into focus. Wind damage is the main concern, along with flooding from heavy rain. Boteler said the system also carries something forecasters rarely mention.
“We have that chance for rotation, which we don’t normally highlight, other than it’s unlikely. But with this event, with the higher wind shear and the higher CAPE, we do have that possibility for some isolated, brief tornadic activity,” he said.
In Raleigh County, emergency planners are preparing. Emergency Planner Tabitha Horn said that of every threat in the forecast, rising water concerns her most.
“Please do not go out into that flooded water. Flooded waters are dangerous,” Horn said. “It takes, you know, a foot of water to sweep somebody under or take a car away.”
Horn said residents should not wait to prepare, urging them to secure anything that could blow away, cover pools and anchor down trampolines before the wind and rain arrive.
She also pointed families to Ready.gov and fema.gov, where people can build an emergency kit and check their flood risk. Above all, she said, have a plan and heed first responders.
“Always have your written plan where you need to go. If you need to evacuate, listen to the first responders,” Horn said. “If they tell you you need to evacuate, evacuate.”
The strongest storms are expected Tuesday evening.
