WV · State guide

West Virginia emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts West Virginia's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $999 million, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, cold waves and heat waves.

Weather alerts in West Virginia right now

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No weather warnings or watches in force right now. 2 advisories.

National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

West Virginia's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$859 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively Moderate$35 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Low$19 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively Low$19 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Low$13 million a yearHow to prepare →

LightningRelatively Low$13 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeVery Low$9 million a yearHow to prepare →

HailRelatively Low$9 million a year

Get ready for inland flooding, cold waves, heat waves and strong wind

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Heat waveExtreme heat safety: heat exhaustion vs heat stroke and how to stay cool in a power outageGear: Battery-powered fans

Strong windPower outage checklist: what to do before, during and afterGear: Portable power stations · Flashlights and lanterns

Official help in West Virginia

State emergency management: Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More West Virginia government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for West Virginia

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)