Charleston, West Virginia – A powerful winter storm is expected to impact much of West Virginia and surrounding states beginning Saturday morning, bringing heavy snow that could make travel very difficult to impossible through Monday morning. The storm may significantly disrupt weekend travel and the Monday morning commute, especially across mountainous and rural areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday morning for most of West Virginia, along with portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and southwest Virginia. Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible across much of the region, with locally higher totals likely in the mountains. In Pocahontas and Randolph counties, snowfall totals could reach 10 to 15 inches.
Ahead of the weekend storm, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Thursday morning for northwest Pocahontas and southeast Randolph counties, where 1 to 3 inches of snow, a light glaze of ice, and wind gusts up to 45 mph may cause hazardous travel and downed tree limbs.
Communities including Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, Clarksburg, Parkersburg, Elkins, Buckhannon, Snowshoe, and Lewisburg are expected to see worsening road conditions as snow intensifies. Major routes such as I-64, I-77, I-79, and mountain roadways may become snow-covered for extended periods.
Residents are urged to complete preparations, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates closely. The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Monday morning, with warnings likely as confidence increases in snowfall amounts and impacts.
