Elkins, W.Va. – Drivers in the higher elevations of eastern West Virginia face slick mountain roads tonight as freezing rain coats surfaces with up to one-tenth of an inch of ice before 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Eastern Preston and Eastern Tucker counties until 4 a.m. Forecasters expect freezing rain to create a glaze of around 0.10 inches, enough to ice over bridges, untreated roads and steep grades.
Communities including Thomas, Canaan Valley, Davis, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg and Hazelton sit in the advisory zone. Routes such as WV-32, US-219 and smaller mountain roads could turn slick quickly, especially in higher elevations where surface temperatures remain at or below freezing.
The icy stretch is expected to interfere with late evening travel and early overnight traffic. Motorists should slow down, increase following distance and avoid unnecessary trips through mountain passes. Keep headlights on, charge mobile devices and be prepared for isolated power flickers if ice clings to tree limbs.
Road conditions should gradually improve after 4 a.m., but additional advisories may be issued if temperatures linger near freezing into daybreak.
