Weather Alert for Thursday for storms, heavy rain and wind

WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — Mother Nature managed to give most of us a good view of the solar eclipse Monday as clouds broke up at the right time, but we won't be seeing too much of the sun in the coming days.

Already Monday evening scattered thundershowers have popped up mainly north of I-64, and more are on the way for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Neither day will be a complete washout, but you'll want to keep the umbrella close by.

Severe weather potential is limited Tuesday and Wednesday by clouds and lack of instability, but that could change Thursday as another potent low pressure system tracks from the Missouri Valley up into the Great Lakes.

This is not unlike last Tuesday's storm, although there are some differences. However, given the strong wind shear typical in April and a track of low pressure to our northwest, the setup does suggest severe storms are possible Thursday.

Another threat would be flooding, although this potential will depend on how much rain we get in the days preceding. Spots that pick up an inch or more Tuesday into Wednesday will be more susceptible.

Even if severe storms don't materialize, wind gusts of 40+ mph are likely both Thursday and again Friday as much cooler air wraps around behind a cold front.

While we're not anticipating heavy mountain snow this time (the airmass isn't as cold as last week's) we are expecting a sizeable temperature drop from Thursday into Friday.

It's still a few days away so we have time to prepare, but be aware that Thursday could feature at least some scattered power outage potential along with flooding. As a result, a Weather Alert is in effect Thursday.