Charleston, West Virginia – A powerful Arctic blast is sweeping across West Virginia, bringing bitter cold, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions to the Charleston area tonight into Tuesday. Gusty winds and plunging temperatures are creating a heightened risk for icy roads, especially overnight and during the Tuesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected across portions of the region today, followed by dangerously low wind chills tonight into Tuesday. Wind chills are forecast to range from 6 to 12 degrees below zero across much of central West Virginia, with values as low as 12 to 22 below zero along the higher mountain ridges. Cold Weather Warnings and Advisories are in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
Roadways including I-64, I-77, and U.S. 119 are likely to see refreezing as temperatures drop into the single digits and teens. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated roads will be especially vulnerable. Strong winds may also make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles and could cause sudden drops in visibility where blowing snow or debris is present.
Drivers are urged to limit non-essential travel, slow down, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles. The bitter cold lingers into Tuesday before a modest improvement, though another Arctic surge is possible later this week. Additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
