Snowshoe, West Virginia – Drivers and residents in West Virginia’s highest elevations are facing another round of hazardous winter weather, with slick roads Thursday morning followed by a potentially high-impact winter storm developing this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Thursday morning for northwest Pocahontas and southeast Randolph counties. Light snow and a glaze of ice are possible early today, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. These conditions may create slick mountain roads, especially along Route 219 near Snowshoe and secondary routes around Harman.
Attention quickly turns to the weekend. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday morning for the same areas. Periods of moderate to heavy snow are expected, with the potential for a wintry mix that includes sleet and freezing rain. Travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times, particularly overnight and during peak snowfall.
Strong winds during the storm may bring down tree branches and lead to isolated power disruptions. Mountain passes and exposed ridgelines are likely to see rapidly changing visibility.
Residents are urged to complete preparations now, limit travel during the worst conditions, and monitor updates through 511WV. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as confidence increases heading into the weekend.
