Elkins, West Virginia – Roads across the higher terrain of eastern West Virginia could ice over within minutes late Monday as a powerful cold front sends temperatures plunging below freezing and snow begins falling by mid-afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. Monday until 5 p.m. Tuesday for portions of Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster, and Nicholas counties. Rain and mixed precipitation will quickly transition to snow as colder air surges into the mountains, producing 2 to 4 inches of accumulation, with higher totals possible along ridgetops and windward slopes.
Communities including Elkins, Snowshoe, Harman, and Richwood may see rapidly deteriorating travel conditions Monday evening as temperatures drop sharply behind the front. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph, blowing snow across exposed roads and increasing the risk of falling tree branches.
The sudden temperature drop may also trigger flash freeze conditions, where wet pavement freezes quickly after sunset. Mountain routes such as U.S. 219, U.S. 33, and WV-55 could become slick overnight and into the Tuesday morning commute.
Wind chills are expected to plunge into the single digits and possibly below zero overnight in higher elevations, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors.
Snow showers and gusty winds may linger into Tuesday afternoon, and additional advisories could be issued if snowfall becomes heavier along the mountain ridges.
