Tornadoes Cause Significant Damage in West Virginia Counties
Severe weather, including tornadoes, struck West Virginia on July 22, 2026, causing significant damage in Pleasants, Ritchie, and Pendleton Counties. The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes that began in Washington County, Ohio, and moved into West Virginia. The storms resulted in the destruction of the MetroNews Affiliate WRRR transmission tower in St. Marys and damage to several homes, including that of former Senator Donna Boley. The tornadoes left a trail of uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure, with reports of overturned campers and damaged businesses in Belmont and other areas.