Charleston, West Virginia – Snow and hazardous travel conditions are expected to return across central West Virginia on Friday as an arctic front moves through the region, impacting major corridors including Interstates 64, 77, and 79.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a fast-moving clipper system will bring accumulating snow Friday, followed by a surge of arctic air that will drive temperatures sharply lower into Saturday. Forecast guidance indicates 1 to 3 inches of snow in the lowlands, including the Charleston metro area along I-64, while mountain locations could see 4 to 8 inches.
Forecasters say winds along higher ridges may gust between 45 and 60 mph, producing areas of blowing snow and near-blizzard conditions Friday afternoon into early Saturday. These conditions could significantly reduce visibility on elevated roadways such as US-33, WV-55, and stretches of I-79 north of Charleston.
Temperatures will remain well below normal. Highs Friday are expected to stay in the upper 20s to lower 30s, with even colder conditions settling in Saturday as the arctic air mass takes hold. The National Weather Service notes that wind chills could fall into the single digits or below zero, especially overnight and across the mountains.
While Thursday is expected to remain quiet and dry under high pressure, officials warn that conditions will deteriorate quickly on Friday as snow spreads west to east. Snow showers may linger early Saturday in the mountains before drying conditions develop later in the day.
Commuters, students, and weekend travelers are urged to monitor forecasts closely, allow extra travel time, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions along major highways.
Additional updates and advisories may be issued as the system approaches.
