Flooding and severe storms possible in Huntington, Charleston, Portsmouth, Ashland, Pikeville, Logan and Summersville areas

(WOWK) – The first weekend of the New Year brings a plethora of extreme weather risks, from flooding and damaging winds to a small risk of tornadoes. The greatest risk of severe weather is the possibility of too much rain. The excessive rain risk (or flood risk) update shows a high risk near the Ohio River to the southwest.
Just about any place in the viewing area could see 2-3 inches of rain, which means heavy climbs over small streams and creeks and low areas. If you see water on the road, never enter this area.

The overall risk of severe storms is listed as low or in Category 2 of 5 on the Charleston Westward Severe Storm Risk Scale. Thunderstorms will come before dawn on Saturday and again after sunset.

The risk of a tornado is low but is not zero with these storms. Please know where your safe place is in case you need to take cover.

Cold air will crash into the area on Sunday and snow will fall after sunset. On Monday morning, we could see amounts that look like the forecast below. Even though we see very little snow, please be careful of the icy surfaces with a quick frost expected on Sunday evening.

Be sure to download and use the StormTracker 13 weather app to stay ahead of storm alerts, weather forecast changes, and to view VIPIR real-time radar. It’s free and you can download it here.
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