Charleston, West Virginia – Snow will intensify across much of West Virginia by late Sunday evening, quickly coating bridges and mountain highways ahead of the Monday morning commute. Wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph in higher terrain will whip snow into whiteout conditions through Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday for central, northeast, northern and southeastern counties. Areas from Elkins and Snowshoe to Beckley and Fayetteville could see 5 to 12 inches of total accumulation, with locally higher amounts in the mountains. Lower elevations including Charleston, Huntington, Clarksburg and Logan are expected to receive an additional 3 to 6 inches.
Across the state, snow-covered stretches of Interstate 64, Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 19 will likely turn slick, especially on bridges and overpasses. In higher elevations of Pocahontas, Randolph and Nicholas counties, blowing snow may reduce visibility below a quarter mile at times. Gusty winds could snap tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
The heaviest snowfall and strongest winds will affect both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel, winterize vehicles and carry emergency kits if driving is unavoidable. Road conditions are available by calling 511.
Snow will taper late Monday night, but slick conditions may linger into early Tuesday. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday, and additional advisories are possible if snowfall rates increase in the mountains.
