Bluefield, W.Va. – Ice accumulation up to a quarter inch will glaze bridges and mountain roadways along I-77 and US-219 through 9 a.m. Tuesday, creating hazardous travel across portions of southeast West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for western Greenbrier County, where up to 0.25 inches of ice and as much as 1 inch of snow are expected. Winter Weather Advisories continue for Mercer and Summers counties, where ice totals could reach 0.10 inches with light snow accumulations up to 1 inch. Alerts are active from 7 a.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The heaviest icing threat centers along higher elevations near Lewisburg and along US-219, where cold air remains trapped at the surface. In Mercer County, including Bluefield and Princeton, ice may accumulate on elevated roadways along I-77 and Route 460, especially overnight into early Tuesday morning.
Even a tenth of an inch of ice can create slick conditions and increase the risk of isolated power outages if ice coats tree limbs and power lines. Secondary roads and untreated surfaces will become hazardous first, particularly in shaded mountain valleys.
Drivers should delay non-essential travel, reduce speeds and carry emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable. Residents are urged to charge devices and prepare for possible brief outages.
Temperatures are expected to rise gradually Tuesday after 9 a.m., improving road conditions. Additional advisories could be extended if icing lingers longer than expected in the higher terrain.
