CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A winter wake-up is unfolding across West Virginia this morning as a sharp cold front edges in, setting the stage for the season’s first widespread snow event. The air feels heavier and colder, the kind that hints at the early stirrings of winter.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Tuesday for much of central, southern, and northern West Virginia, including portions of southwest Virginia. Snow is expected to accumulate between 2 and 4 inches, especially along the higher ridges and mountain valleys.
Road crews are already preparing for slick conditions along I-64, I-77, and U.S. 19, where the rain-to-snow transition could catch early commuters off guard. The heaviest snow is projected late Monday, tapering early Tuesday. Motorists should plan for slower travel, especially through Beckley, Summersville, and Elkins, where visibility may drop quickly in bursts of heavier snow.
Officials advise drivers to keep extra distance, clear vehicles fully, and watch bridges and shaded routes for early icing. For now, Veterans Day looks calmer, with sunny skies and highs in the lower 40s, but another cold push could arrive by midweek.
The pattern marks an unmistakable November cold snap — a clear signal that winter is taking hold earlier than usual. For those planning pre-holiday travel or outdoor cleanup this week, bundle up, check road updates often, and stay alert for sudden snow squalls in the mountain zones.
Five-Day Forecast for Charleston, WV:
Sun: 60/43 – Rain changing to snow late; gusty NW winds.
Mon: 37/23 – Snow showers; 2–4 inches possible; icy roads early.
Tue (Veterans Day): 41/24 – Mostly sunny; brisk morning chill.
Wed: 57/34 – Partly cloudy; milder afternoon.
Thu: 55/33 – Sunny; cool and calm.
