A wintry mix of freezing rain, snow, and sleet is coating roads across much of West Virginia this morning, creating slick and hazardous travel conditions from the Kanawha Valley to the Appalachian foothills. The National Weather Service in Charleston has Winter Weather Advisories in effect through early afternoon, as temperatures hover near freezing and icy patches persist on untreated roads.
Freezing rain early this morning has glazed bridges, overpasses, and sidewalks, especially near Charleston, Beckley, and Clarksburg. Snow showers are also mixing in across higher elevations, reducing visibility and making travel treacherous on mountain routes including I-79, US-19, and Route 219.
The wintry mix will gradually taper from west to east by early afternoon, with precipitation ending in the lowlands first. However, upslope snow showers could continue through this evening in the northeast mountains, particularly near Elkins and Snowshoe, where light additional accumulations are expected.
Temperatures will struggle to climb much above the low 30s, keeping roads slick through much of the day. Drivers should allow extra travel time, maintain a slow and steady speed, and give snowplows plenty of room to work.
Tonight, skies begin to clear as cold air settles in, sending lows into the 20s. Any remaining moisture on roads could refreeze overnight, leading to another round of black ice concerns early Wednesday.
Looking ahead, drier weather returns midweek with sunshine by Thursday, but the cold holds on — daytime highs will stay below normal into the weekend.
If you’re heading out this morning, use extreme caution and check updated travel maps before you go. Winter’s grip is tightening early this December in West Virginia.
