Beckley, West Virginia – Roads and power lines across southeast West Virginia could become coated in up to a quarter inch of ice starting at 7 a.m. Monday, creating the potential for tree damage and scattered outages through Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 7 a.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday for southeast Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster and Pocahontas counties. Forecasters expect up to 2 inches of snow followed by ice accumulations around one quarter of an inch.
Snow will develop first across higher terrain near Marlinton, Richwood and Meadow Bridge before transitioning to sleet and freezing rain. Ice could weigh down tree limbs and power lines, particularly along Route 219, Route 39 and Interstate 64 near Beckley. Travel may become nearly impossible at times, especially on untreated secondary roads and mountain passes.
Residents should charge devices, prepare for possible outages and avoid unnecessary travel. Drivers are urged to slow down and check 511 for real-time road conditions. Temperatures are expected to rise late Tuesday morning, allowing precipitation to change to rain. Additional alerts may be issued if ice totals increase.
