MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — End-of-year storms damaged structures, toppled trees and powerlines, and left thousands without power in Monongalia and Marion counties on Tuesday.
MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Bill Deger said the storm passed between Lumberport and Mannington at about 1:45 p.m. with high winds and isolated reports of pea-sized hail.
“Producing wind gusts anywhere between 40 and 63 miles per hour,” Deger said. “That was the official report from Morgantown, and of course that caused quite a bit of widespread damage as it rolled through the area.”
Damage was reported across Fairmont, including Flemming Avenue, where several structures were damaged and unconfirmed reports of wind gusts of over 70 miles per hour were made. Several structures were damaged in the Rivesville area where a porch was ripped off one home.
“We did see some higher wind gusts there but not over the 63 miles per hour reading we have yet, but of course reports could come in throughout the day,” Deger said.
Right now, there were no reports of funnel clouds or rotation in the storms. The damage assessment is in the early stages, but so far none of the “twisting” signatures in tornado debris has been reported.
“As of right now it looks like it was primarily straight-line wind damage that occurred across the area, but we’ll keep an eye on that in the coming days,” Deger said.
Deger said storms of this type are rare. This storm was fueled by warm air and warm Gulf air that clashed with an approaching cold front.
“Tap into just enough moisture from the south and just enough energy from the north to produce thunderstorms,” Deger said. “So, maybe it happens once or twice a year you could have those thunderstorms.”
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR