Charleston, West Virginia – Drivers across central and northern West Virginia should prepare for hazardous travel beginning Friday as a winter system spreads accumulating snow and strong winds across the region, creating dangerous conditions on major roadways including I-79 and I-64.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday morning for Barbour, Nicholas, northwest Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur, and Webster counties. Snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are possible, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Gusty winds may bring down tree branches and lead to sharp reductions in visibility during heavier snow bands.
Snow is expected to overspread the region Friday morning and intensify by Friday evening, especially across higher elevations near Elkins, Buckhannon, Richwood, and Snowshoe. Travel could become increasingly difficult Friday night as blowing and drifting snow develops along I-79 near Weston, US-33 over mountain passes, and US-219 through Randolph and Pocahontas counties. Brief near-whiteout conditions are possible in open and elevated areas.
Strong winds combined with wet, heavy snow could result in isolated power outages, particularly in ridge-top communities. Emergency officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak snowfall Friday night into early Saturday.
Motorists who must travel should slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and carry emergency supplies. WVDOH crews are expected to treat and plow primary routes, but rapidly changing conditions could still lead to slick roads.
The Winter Storm Watch indicates the potential for significant impacts, and it may be upgraded as confidence increases. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as the system moves closer, with hazardous travel conditions possibly lingering into Saturday morning.
