CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A slow-crawling line of storms unleashed more than six inches of rainfall across central West Virginia within a single 24-hour window ending early Wednesday morning, with the National Weather Service confirming a peak total of 6.71 inches near the Charleston region — one of the highest single-day rainfall readings recorded in the area this season.
The saturating band of storms tracked along a narrow but intense corridor running from southern Ohio, through the heart of West Virginia, and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic, leaving behind a trail of flood-prone conditions and swollen creeks in its path.
Central West Virginia Bears the Brunt
Charleston and its surrounding communities absorbed the heaviest rainfall of the event, with nearby regions toward Lexington and Charlottesville also logging multiple inches as repeated storm rounds rolled over the same stretch of land.
Ohio Valley Not Spared
Farther west, Columbus and Dayton recorded substantial rainfall as the system pushed through central Ohio, while Cincinnati, Louisville, and Nashville saw noticeably lighter — though still significant — totals.
East Coast Corridor Soaked From Pittsburgh to Richmond
The moisture plume extended its reach along the East Coast, where cities including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Washington, Richmond, and Lynchburg all logged rainfall exceeding one inch, with isolated pockets running well above that mark. Baltimore and Philadelphia also picked up measurable rain as the system moved through.
Great Lakes Region Sees Lighter Totals
Farther north, Cleveland, Buffalo, and areas stretching toward Toronto and Hamilton reported comparatively lighter rainfall, generally ranging between half an inch and two inches, as the outer edge of the storm system grazed the Great Lakes.
Officials continue to monitor low-lying and flood-prone areas as saturated ground raises concerns over runoff in the days ahead.