Elkins, W.Va. – Autumn’s first widespread chill is taking hold across the central and eastern mountains, where a Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, followed by a Freeze Watch late Thursday night through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
The advisory covers Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster, Upshur, Barbour, Nicholas, and Fayette counties, including Elkins, Marlinton, Richwood, and Buckhannon. Overnight lows will dip into the low 30s Thursday morning, with a sharper drop into the mid-20s possible by early Friday in high-elevation valleys such as Snowshoe and Harman.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could damage or kill unprotected vegetation and outdoor plumbing. Residents should bring tender plants indoors, drain garden hoses, and insulate hose bibs before the colder air arrives. Farmers and gardeners should expect the end of the growing season by week’s end across much of the region.
Morning frost will be most widespread in sheltered valleys along U.S. 219, Route 33, and Corridor H, where calm winds will allow cold air to pool before sunrise. Skies will remain clear Thursday and Friday, with crisp afternoons in the upper 40s and 50s providing classic fall conditions.
Another cold morning is likely Friday before a gradual warming trend returns for the weekend.
