Charleston, West Virginia – A high-impact winter storm is set to bring heavy snow, sleet, and ice across much of West Virginia and surrounding states beginning Saturday morning, with conditions expected to worsen through Monday morning and significantly disrupt travel and utilities.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect from Saturday morning through early Monday for large portions of West Virginia, along with parts of southeast Ohio, northeast Kentucky, and southwest Virginia. In the higher terrain of Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster, and Nicholas counties, snow and sleet totals of 9 to 14 inches are expected, along with ice accumulations up to three-tenths of an inch and wind gusts near 35 mph.
Across central, northern, and western West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, and Beckley, snowfall totals of 9 to 12 inches are possible, with around two-tenths of an inch of ice adding to the threat of downed trees and power lines. Farther south into southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia, lighter snow totals of 3 to 8 inches are expected, but ice accumulations could reach four-tenths of an inch, increasing the risk of long-lasting power outages.
Travel on major routes such as I-64, I-77, U.S. 19, and mountain roadways could become nearly impossible, especially Saturday night through Sunday. Residents are urged to delay travel, prepare for power outages, and monitor road conditions through 511 services. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through Monday morning, and additional alerts may be issued as conditions evolve.
