Charleston, West Virginia – Wind gusts up to 40 mph will sweep across much of the state behind a cold front today, creating hazardous crosswinds on I-64 and I-77 through 6 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, gusty winds of 25 to 40 mph will persist through the afternoon, with locally higher gusts along the higher terrain. The strongest winds are expected across the central lowlands and mountain ridges as colder air filters in behind the front.
High-profile vehicles will be most vulnerable.
Drivers along I-64 from Huntington to Charleston and on I-77 from Beckley to Parkersburg may experience sudden crosswinds, especially on elevated bridges and open stretches. Loose outdoor objects could be blown into roadways, and isolated tree damage is possible in higher elevations.
Winds gradually ease after sunset, but colder air settles in tonight with lows dipping into the mid-20s to mid-30s statewide.
Attention then shifts to the weekend. Clouds increase Saturday, with rain arriving late Saturday night. That rain transitions to all snow Sunday as much colder air returns. Accumulating snow is possible across parts of the state, especially in the mountains along US-219 and portions of I-64 and I-77.
Snow showers wrap up along the mountains Monday, with highs only in the 20s and 30s to start next week.
What residents should do now: Secure loose outdoor items, use caution on north-south highways, and monitor updated forecasts ahead of Sunday’s winter system.
Gusty winds continue through early evening Friday. Winter weather impacts are possible Sunday into Monday, with additional advisories likely as confidence increases.
