Tornado Watches Cover 70+ Counties Across West Virginia, Virginia Until 8 p.m.

A tornado watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for numerous counties across West Virginia and Virginia as a line of strong to severe storms moves through the region, bringing threats of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. In West Virginia, 23 counties from the Eastern Panhandle to the southern coalfields, including Jefferson, Berkeley, and Raleigh, are under the watch, with storms capable of downing trees and power lines. Simultaneously, over 50 counties in western and central Virginia, including Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Harrisonburg, are also under a tornado watch with possible wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail. Emergency officials urge residents in affected areas to monitor local alerts, be prepared to take shelter, keep phones charged, and secure outdoor items, especially those in mobile homes or vulnerable structures. Additionally, significant rainfall is expected in West Virginia with localized flooding possible, particularly in the northern mountains and eastern panhandle. The severe weather conditions follow a week of unsettled weather across the Mid-Atlantic, and further watches or warnings may be issued as storms continue to develop.