Wheeling, West Virginia – Communities along the Ohio–West Virginia border could face renewed winter travel disruptions as a late-January pattern increases the likelihood of accumulating snow across the upper Ohio Valley.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, areas along the Ohio–West Virginia line are included in a slight risk for heavy snow from Saturday through the following Friday, signaling a higher chance for one or more organized winter systems moving through the region. Colder air is expected to remain in place, favoring snow over rain during this window.
In eastern Ohio, including Steubenville and surrounding Jefferson County, temperatures trending below normal support snow with passing systems. That could lead to slick conditions along U.S. Route 22, State Route 7, and Interstate 70, especially during overnight and early morning travel.
Across the river in northern West Virginia, including Wheeling and nearby Ohio and Marshall counties, elevation changes may allow snow to accumulate more efficiently. Farther south along the border, communities such as Marietta could see snow arrive in multiple rounds, increasing the potential for cumulative impacts on local roads and river crossings.
The Ohio Department of Transportation and West Virginia Division of Highways urge residents to monitor road conditions closely, limit non-essential travel during snow, and keep winter emergency supplies in vehicles. With colder air expected to persist, any snow that falls may linger between systems.
More detailed timing and potential winter weather advisories are expected as the late-January window approaches, with clearer impacts becoming available by early next week.
