WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): Damaging storms have pushed through the region, resulting in downed trees and power outages. Raleigh county was the epicenter of this damage with more than three thousand customers without power. However, surrounding counties have also had isolated power issues. While the strongest of the storms have left, there is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Tazewell counties until noon. Along with a trio of consecutive Tornado Warnings this morning, we had several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and a Tornado Watch. All of these alerts have expired, aside from the Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
This afternoon will bring a slight lull in activity before more storms and showers punch through the area starting around 4 PM. These will be stronger as well, but do not carry the tornado risk we saw this morning. Damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour and heavy rain causing flooding issues are the main concerns. Please continue to stay aware through the day and be prepared in case more warnings are issued through the day. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the details:
Rain will continue overnight and into tomorrow, but severe weather is not expected. The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur will pass through the Carolinas, potentially bringing scattered showers into our viewing area. This rain will be lighter, but is still helpful for the region. The only danger that could happen is minor flooding is showers end up becoming heavier than expected. Otherwise, it should be much smoother sailing tomorrow morning and evening. Rain will dissipate by sunset, letting us calm down overnight.
The weekend starts on a wonderful note. Skies will be mostly sunny through the day and temperatures will be comfortable. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 70s, while lows stay right around 55 degrees. If you have any outdoor activities to do, this is the day to do it. On Sunday, conditions will be much pf the same until the evening and overnight hours. A low-pressure system will approach, eventually reaching us on Monday.
Rain may start late Sunday, but will become widespread Monday. It will last through the day, bringing more needed rain to our region. Since we have a couple of days to recover, flooding should not be as big of an issue as later today. The low-pressure system will pass over us, but rain will be left behind for parts of Tuesday. From there, rain will be on and off, but Wednesday is trending a bit drier. Here’s the 7-Day Forecast:
