Charleston, West Virginia – Very cold conditions are expected to persist across central West Virginia tonight into Tuesday morning, with single-digit temperatures and dangerously low wind chills creating risks for both personal safety and travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, much of the area is forecast to drop into the single digits overnight, while wind chills make it feel closer to zero to 20 degrees below zero through Tuesday morning. Portions of the region are under an Extreme Cold Warning, while other areas remain under a Cold Weather Advisory.
NWS Charleston warns that wind chills this low can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes or less, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia without adequate protection. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and ensure pets are brought indoors overnight.
While no widespread winter precipitation is expected tonight, the extreme cold may still create roadway hazards. Any moisture left on pavement could refreeze overnight, leading to slick conditions on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
Drivers traveling late tonight or during the early Tuesday commute should use caution on Interstate 64, Interstate 77, Interstate 79, and major surface roads around the Charleston metro area. Shaded valleys and elevated roadways are especially vulnerable to black ice during periods of intense cold.
The National Weather Service also notes that Tuesday will remain colder than normal, with high temperatures only reaching the single digits to upper 20s, depending on location. A brief moderation is expected midweek before colder conditions potentially return later in the week.
Officials emphasize continued monitoring of forecasts, especially as there remains uncertainty regarding a possible winter system this weekend. Details on timing and impacts will become clearer later in the week.
Commuters, students, and early-morning workers in the Charleston area should plan for dangerously cold conditions through Tuesday morning and remain alert for slick travel conditions.
