Charleston, WV – Sub-freezing temperatures will spread across West Virginia and the Ohio Valley late tonight, creating immediate risks for crops, exposed pipes, and early Tuesday travel before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service, a Freeze Warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday for much of West Virginia, southeast Ohio, and parts of northeast Kentucky and southwest Virginia. Overnight lows are expected to drop to around 28 degrees in many areas, with some locations holding near 32 degrees but still cold enough for widespread frost.
Cities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, and Morgantown will experience several hours below freezing. Travel along major routes such as I-64, I-77, I-79, and US-35 may be impacted by patchy frost on bridges and overpasses, especially in river valleys and rural stretches before 8 a.m.
Agricultural impacts are expected across the region. Early-season crops, fruit trees, and gardens are highly vulnerable after recent mild conditions accelerated growth. Frost will be widespread, even in areas that briefly hover near freezing.
Residents should cover sensitive plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and protect outdoor plumbing by draining hoses or allowing faucets to drip. Motorists should use caution during the early morning commute when frost is most likely.
Temperatures will rise above freezing after 9 a.m. Tuesday, but additional cold nights this week could extend the risk of freeze damage across the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians.
