Charleston, West Virginia – Snowfall of up to 8 inches is expected to impact major roadways across central and eastern West Virginia, prompting winter weather alerts from Friday morning through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for higher-elevation mountain counties, while a Winter Weather Advisory covers much of the lower elevations, including the Kanawha and Ohio valleys. The alerts were issued Thursday afternoon as confidence increased in widespread accumulating snow.
Forecast snowfall totals range from 1 to 2 inches across the western lowlands near I-77 in Parkersburg and Huntington, increasing to 4 to 6 inches near I-64 around Charleston and Flatwoods. The highest totals—6 to 8 inches—are expected in the mountains near US-19 and WV-55, including Summersville, Snowshoe, and portions of Randolph and Nicholas counties.
Snow is expected to begin Friday morning, with periods of moderate snowfall continuing through Friday night. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, especially along I-64 between Charleston and Beckley, I-77 south of Charleston, and US-19 through central mountain corridors. Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads may persist into early Saturday.
The National Weather Service reports that colder surface temperatures will support mostly snow, limiting melting during peak travel hours. Drivers should plan for slower commutes, particularly Friday afternoon and early Saturday.
This storm may significantly affect commuters, students, and overnight workers, especially those traveling between lower elevations and the mountain counties.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts, allow extra travel time, and follow guidance from local emergency management and transportation officials as conditions develop.
