Straight-line winds cause severe tree damage in Wayne County, WV
Straight-line winds cause severe tree damage in Wayne County, WV
US · Published Aug 14, 2026
The National Weather Service has confirmed that microbursts and straight-line winds, rather than a tornado, caused significant damage in Wayne County, West Virginia earlier this week.
The storm, which struck Tuesday evening near East Lynn, sheared off the tops of trees across a 1600-foot swath of private woodland.

Impact & Risks

The primary impact was concentrated in wooded areas, with approximately 1600 feet of timber damaged. While only one home was affected, the incident highlights the destructive potential of straight-line winds, which can pose risks to structures and individuals in their path. Emergency officials warn that such winds, despite not being classified as tornadoes, can still be deadly.

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