Charleston, WV – A major winter storm developing early this week could bring dangerous freezing rain and ice accumulation across the Appalachian Mountains, especially along the West Virginia–Virginia border, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
The system, expected to develop along the Gulf Coast Monday, will move northeast into the Mid-Atlantic by late Monday night, spreading a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across higher elevations of eastern West Virginia and western Virginia.
Meteorologists warn that the greatest icing potential lies along the Appalachian ridges, where a glaze to a quarter inch or more of ice could accumulate on trees, power lines, and roadways. Areas along I-64, I-81, and US 219 are expected to experience the worst impacts, including power outages and treacherous driving conditions.
The Weather Prediction Center classifies this event as having major travel disruption potential, with dangerous icing possible Monday night into Tuesday morning. Motorists are advised to avoid mountain travel if possible, as untreated roads may quickly become impassable.
Temperatures will remain below freezing through Tuesday, prolonging icy conditions even after precipitation ends.
Residents should monitor local weather updates and prepare for potential ice-related power outages and travel delays through midweek.
