WEST VIRGINIA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Tornado Watch alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service for an array of counties across the State of West Virginia as residents make preparations for anticipated severe weather conditions.
Reports originating from throughout the weekend have indicated the expected emergence of intense weather conditions including but not limited to severe rain, wind, and hail.
Throughout the morning on Monday many such weather alerts were upgraded in categorization of severity. The Charleston area, for example, was upgraded to “moderate” risk for severe storms in the early morning period, with residence having been encouraged to have and adhere to a severe weather plan should conditions require the execution of such plans.
At the time of writing, a staggering 40 of 55 counties throughout West Virginia have been advised of a Tornado Watch which will remain in effect until at least 6:00pm on Monday.
According to FEMA, this indicates that residents should stay aware and monitor ongoing weather conditions which have been determined as capable of leading to a tornado. The distinction between “Tornado Watch” and Tornado Warning” is worth noting, as a “Tornado Warning” is indicative of an actual tornado sighting and should precede the procurement of adequate shelter.
The distinction, as explained by the National Weather Service, is as follows:
The NWS issues a Tornado Watch when weather conditions in an area indicate an increased risk for severe weather that may be capable of producing a tornado.
The NWS issues a Tornado Warning when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning means you should take shelter immediately.
As of late Monday morning, the following counties throughout West Virginia have been advised to adhere to Tornado Watch alerts:
Barbour County
Boone County
Braxton County
Cabell County
Calhoun County
Clay County
Doddrige County
Fayette County
Gilmer County
Harrison County
Jackson County
Kanawha County
Lewis County
Lincoln County
Logan County
Marion County
Marshall County
Mason County
McDowell County
Mingo County
Monongalia County
Nicholas County
Ohio County
Pleasants County
Pocahontas County
Preston County
Putnam County
Raleigh County
Randolph County
Ritchie County
Roane County
Taylor County
Tucker County
Tyler County
Upshur County
Wayne County
Webster County
Wetzel County
Wirt County
Wood County
Wyoming County
Stay with LOOTPRESS to keep up to date on the latest weather developments throughout the state.
