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Storm Events Database
Event Details:
| Event | Thunderstorm Wind |
| Magnitude | 67 kts. |
| State | WEST VIRGINIA |
| County/Area | KANAWHA |
| WFO | RLX |
| Report Source | ASOS |
| NCEI Data Source | CSV |
| Begin Date | 2012-06-29 18:10 EST-5 |
| Begin Location | 0N (CRW) YEAGER ARPT |
| Begin Lat/Lon | 38.37/-81.6 |
| End Date | 2012-06-29 18:10 EST-5 |
| End Location | 0N (CRW) YEAGER ARPT |
| End Lat/Lon | 38.37/-81.6 |
| Deaths Direct/Indirect | 0/0 (fatality details below, when available...) |
| Injuries Direct/Indirect | 0/0 |
| Property Damage | 10.00K |
| Crop Damage | 0.00K |
| Episode Narrative | On the second day of a developing heat wave, under a sunny sky, afternoon temperatures reached record levels. The lowlands saw thermometers reach into the upper 90s and above 100 degrees. For example, both Huntington and Charleston had 103 degrees. Parkersburg and Clarksburg had 98 degrees. Even the mountainous regions reached into the 90s. Beckley and Elkins reached 96 degrees. Meanwhile, an area of multi-cellular convection had moved out of northern Illinois that morning. It continued to organize and strengthen, as it propagated east and southeast across northern Indiana into western Ohio during the afternoon. As it moved toward southeast Ohio, it had already formed into a large arch of storms, or bow, with a developing cool pool in its wake. The temperature contrast between the air ahead of the developing derecho, compared to that in its wake was reaching 30 to 35 degrees. The resultant wind shift in the cool pool resulted in strong moisture convergence on the leading edge of the complex. This in turn, helped drive the storms further southeast, away from the mid and upper level wind support. However, the complex was diving right into that hot air that had obtained large convective available potential energy, or the order of 4000 to 5000 j/kg. The complex streaked across southeast Ohio near the hottest time of the day and plowed into western West Virginia near 1730E. The outflow, or gust front, had outraced the rain, as it moved through southeast Ohio. That gust front then moved southeast at 60 to 65 mph across West Virginia. The mature derecho caused the strong gusts to be longer in duration than found in most severe thunderstorms. In some cases the strong wind gusts lasted around 10 minutes. Due to the dry ground, dust and debris accompanied the gust front in some areas. The storms and showers that followed the strong wind gusts only provided about a quarter to a half inch of rain. A few areas even had less rain. Widespread wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph were likely with the leading gust front, before weakening in the southern coal fields of West Virginia. A few favored and exposed locations may have seen gusts around 90 mph. Locations sheltered from the northwest had gusts less than 60 mph. The strongest measured gust was 77 mph from the Charleston airport at 1810E. The Huntington airport had a gust to 59 mph at 1758E. The Clarksburg airport had a gust to 66 mph at 1828E. The Elkins airport had a gust to 64 mph at 1857E. The Beckley airport had a gust to 68 mph at 1907E. A spotter in Weston reported a gust to 73 mph on their private equipment. Likewise, a spotter in Mason County reported a gust to 62 mph. The wind caused numerous trees and large branches to fall in scattered locations throughout most counties. Luckily, there were no direct deaths. There were 3 indirect deaths that followed from the storms. There was only one direct injury. There was structural damage. Corrugated metal and siding were ripped off buildings. Trees fell onto houses or vehicles. Overall though, there was not a lot of physical damage to individual property. The fallen trees and power lines also caused roads to be temporarily blocked. However, the largest impact of the high winds was on the electric power grid. Prolong power outages occurred as the heat wave continued during the first week of July. The workers restoring the electricity had to take frequent breaks due to the heat and the safety equipment they had to wear. The electric utility companies had regional transmission lines damaged. These had to be repaired in addition to the usual distribution system. One electric company had to replace over 1000 poles, 575 transformers and 172 miles of wire. That total does include a few counties outside of West Virginia. The lack of electricity in the midst of the heat wave, disrupted the daily routines of most citizens for several days. The word, derecho, was introduced into many everyday conversations. Water and ice were in high demand. Family and retail refrigerated food lost was substantial. An emergency declaration by President Obama allowed the federal government to quickly deliver nearly 300 truckloads of water and 750,000 meals. The federal government also shipped over 100 industrial sized generators for critical infrastructure use. Some people slept outside on porches where it was cooler. With limited gas stations available to pump gas, long lines developed for a few days in the wake of the storm. Phone and water service were also affected. Telephone companies had to use emergency generators to power cell towers. Likewise, water companies had to find power for their pumping stations. Citizens that relied on well water had no power to pump the water from their wells. Around 600 state natural guard troops performed wellness checks, delivered food and water, and helped in clearing away the fallen trees. Mainly due to the public damage, a federal major disaster was eventually declared for this episode. A few others episodes in early July were also included. See FEMA disaster number 4071 for more details. |
| Event Narrative | A gust to 77 mph was recorded from 330 degrees on the compass. A hanger was damaged. A small single engine plane flipped over on the tarmac. |
Event Map:
All events for this episode:
| Location | County/Zone | St. | Date | Time | T.Z. | Type | Mag | Dth | Inj | PrD | CrD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals: | 0 | 0 | 53.897M | 0.00K | |||||||
| POINT PLEASANT | MASON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:30 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.500M | 0.00K |
| MASON | MASON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:32 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 52 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| PARKERSBURG | WOOD CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:32 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 4.000M | 0.00K |
| WILLIAMSTOWN | WOOD CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:32 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 100.00K | 0.00K |
| ARVILLA | PLEASANTS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:35 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 500.00K | 0.00K |
| LUBECK | WOOD CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:35 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 52 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 20.00K | 0.00K |
| FLATROCK | MASON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:36 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 54 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 50.00K | 0.00K |
| HENDERSON | MASON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 15.00K | 0.00K |
| NEW HAVEN | MASON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 20.00K | 0.00K |
| RAVENSWOOD | JACKSON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 2.500M | 0.00K |
| SISTERSVILLE | TYLER CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| CAIRO | RITCHIE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:45 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 61 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| ELIZABETH | WIRT CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:50 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 61 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| ELLENBORO | RITCHIE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:50 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 75 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 500.00K | 0.00K |
| LESAGE | CABELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:50 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 3.000M | 0.00K |
| HUNTINGTON | CABELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:51 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 75.00K | 0.00K |
| FRAZIERS BOTTOM | PUTNAM CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:55 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 2.500M | 0.00K |
| KENOVA | WAYNE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:55 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| (HTS)TRI ST ARPT HNT | WAYNE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 17:56 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 51 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| GRANTSVILLE | CALHOUN CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:00 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| REEDY | ROANE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:00 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 2.000M | 0.00K |
| SISSONVILLE | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:00 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 65 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 6.000M | 0.00K |
| WEST UNION | DODDRIDGE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:00 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| MT VERNON | PUTNAM CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:05 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 10.00K | 0.00K |
| SCOTT DEPOT | PUTNAM CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:05 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 25.00K | 0.00K |
| (CRW) YEAGER ARPT | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:10 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 67 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 10.00K | 0.00K |
| HAMLIN | LINCOLN CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:10 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| ST ALBANS | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:10 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 300.00K | 0.00K |
| OWENS | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:12 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 61 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 500.00K | 0.00K |
| RUTH | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:13 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 61 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| TANNER | GILMER CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:13 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| BELLE | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:15 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 100.00K | 0.00K |
| CULLODEN | CABELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:15 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 25.00K | 0.00K |
| FRAME | KANAWHA CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:15 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 25.00K | 0.00K |
| ALUM BRIDGE | LEWIS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:18 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 2.00K | 0.00K |
| BIG OTTER | CLAY CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:20 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| JULIAN | BOONE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:20 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| SHINNSTON | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:20 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 3.500M | 0.00K |
| WESTON | LEWIS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:20 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 250.00K | 0.00K |
| BRIDGEPORT | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:21 | EST-5 | Hail | 1.00 in. | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| SHINNSTON | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:22 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 5.00K | 0.00K |
| BRIDGEPORT | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:24 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 200.00K | 0.00K |
| CLARKSBURG | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:24 | EST-5 | Hail | 1.00 in. | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| EXCHANGE | BRAXTON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:25 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| (CKB)BENEDUM ARPT CL | HARRISON CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:28 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 57 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| CHAPMANVILLE | LOGAN CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:30 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 52 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| HEPZIBAH | TAYLOR CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:30 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 500.00K | 0.00K |
| KERMIT | MINGO CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:30 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| WESTON | LEWIS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:30 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 63 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 100.00K | 0.00K |
| BIRCH RIVER | NICHOLAS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 2.000M | 0.00K |
| BUCKHANNON | UPSHUR CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| MONTGOMERY | FAYETTE CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 61 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 3.000M | 0.00K |
| PHILIPPI | BARBOUR CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:40 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| DOROTHY | RALEIGH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:45 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 3.500M | 0.00K |
| SWISS | NICHOLAS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:45 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 5.00K | 0.00K |
| LOGAN | LOGAN CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:49 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 43 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 10.00K | 0.00K |
| REPLETE | WEBSTER CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:50 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| CYCLONE | WYOMING CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:55 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 250.00K | 0.00K |
| ELKINS | RANDOLPH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:55 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 1.000M | 0.00K |
| (EKN)RANDOLPH FLD EL | RANDOLPH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:57 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| VALLEY BEND | RANDOLPH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 18:58 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 52 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 5.00K | 0.00K |
| BECKLEY | RALEIGH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:05 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 56 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 500.00K | 0.00K |
| (BKW)RALEIGH CO ARPT | RALEIGH CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:07 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 59 kts. MG | 0 | 0 | 0.00K | 0.00K |
| BARTOW | POCAHONTAS CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:10 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 52 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| PINEVILLE | WYOMING CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:10 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 25.00K | 0.00K |
| IAEGER | MCDOWELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:15 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 750.00K | 0.00K |
| KIMBALL | MCDOWELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:30 | EST-5 | Lightning | 0 | 0 | 20.00K | 0.00K | |
| WELCH | MCDOWELL CO. | WV | 06/29/2012 | 19:47 | EST-5 | Thunderstorm Wind | 50 kts. EG | 0 | 0 | 250.00K | 0.00K |
| Totals: | 0 | 0 | 53.897M | 0.00K |
