CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Weather Service has issued multiple blizzard warnings across the central Appalachian Mountains, with forecasters warning of whiteout conditions, gusty winds, and heavy snow beginning Wednesday morning and lasting through Thursday morning.
The blizzard warnings, which stretch from western Maryland and northeastern West Virginia to southwest Virginia, include high-elevation areas such as Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, Terra Alta, and Garrett County.
Forecasters say total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts up to a foot possible on west-facing slopes above 2,500 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less.
“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” the weather service said. “If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”
The most severe conditions are expected Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night, when sustained snowfall combines with powerful winds to produce true blizzard conditions.
Blizzard warnings are in effect for:
- Eastern Tucker and Eastern Preston counties in West Virginia
- Western Greenbrier, Northwest Pocahontas, Southeast Webster, and Southeast Randolph counties in West Virginia
- Western Garrett County, Md.
- Western Grant and Western Pendleton counties, W.Va.
The storm is expected to ease by Thursday morning, though cleanup and travel disruptions could linger.
