Tornadoes
Tornadoes are violent and rapidly rotating columns of air that form inside thunderstorms. They connect with the ground, via a funnel, to the cloud. Tornadoes typically last only a few minutes, but sometimes they can continue for more than an hour. They can also travel short distances (0.5 miles), but some can be 'on the ground' for upwards of 100 miles.
Given the terrain, there is a misconception that West Virginia does not have tornadoes. However, despite the hills and mountains, the state averages two tornadoes a year, and since 1950, more than 150 tornadoes have been recorded in West Virginia.
Source: West Virginia Encyclopedia
Did You Know?
On June 23, 1944, the rapid passage of a cold front over the region caused severe thunderstorms to develop in northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These storms spawned a series of tornadoes that raced across the area, including a tornado that struck Shinnston around 8:30 PM. The tornado destroyed the Pleasant Hill portion of the town, stripped the bark from trees, twisted a steel radio tower, and moved vehicles 100 feet from their original locations.