Charleston, W.Va. – Snow will intensify across central and northeastern West Virginia by 1 a.m. Sunday, with 5 to 12 inches expected through 1 a.m. Tuesday. Wind gusts up to 45 mph will create blowing snow and whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous during the Monday morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Tuesday for portions of central, northern, northeast, and southeast West Virginia, including Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur, and Taylor counties. Snowfall rates may briefly approach 1 inch per hour Sunday night into Monday.
Roads and bridges will become slick before sunrise Sunday.
Interstates 79 and 64, along with U.S. Route 33 near Elkins and mountain corridors around Snowshoe and Richwood, may see rapid accumulation and near-zero visibility at times. Bridges and overpasses will ice first, especially in higher elevations of Randolph and Pocahontas counties. Strong winds could down tree branches and cause isolated power outages in communities including Beckley, Buckhannon, and Summersville.
Residents should delay travel and check WV 511 for updated road conditions before heading out. Those who must travel should carry winter emergency supplies in case of becoming stranded.
Snow and blowing snow will persist through late Monday night, and the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday.
