Charleston, WV – Drivers across West Virginia could face rapidly changing road conditions today as thunderstorms give way to falling temperatures and accumulating snow in the mountains by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a strong cold front moving through the region Monday morning may produce damaging wind gusts and small hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible as storms move east across the state. The storms are expected to exit the region by late Monday morning into early afternoon, allowing colder air to sweep into the Appalachian region.
As temperatures drop quickly behind the front, rain will transition to snow across the higher elevations Monday afternoon through Tuesday. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of snow in the mountain counties, including areas near Snowshoe, Elkins, and parts of Pocahontas and Randolph counties. Some localized higher totals are possible on the highest ridges.
Lower elevation communities such as Charleston, Huntington, and Parkersburg will likely see less than 1 inch of snow, though brief bursts could still create slick spots on bridges and untreated roads Monday night.
The cold air will intensify after sunset. Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing Monday night and remain mostly below freezing Tuesday. The cold stretch could threaten early spring vegetation across the region.
Drivers traveling through mountain passes should prepare for winter driving conditions through Tuesday, while additional advisories remain possible as colder air continues moving into the state.
