ELKINS, W.Va. – A Freeze Watch remains in effect for the high terrain of eastern West Virginia from late Thursday night through 9AM EDT Friday, following a Frost Advisory already in place for early Thursday morning. The National Weather Service in Charleston said subfreezing temperatures as low as 26°F are possible in the higher valleys of Pocahontas and Randolph Counties.
According to the Weather Service, frost will form between 2AM and 9AM Thursday, followed by a sharper temperature drop Thursday night as calm winds and clear skies allow deep cooling. The affected areas include Elkins, Marlinton, Snowshoe, and Harman, where widespread frost and a potential hard freeze could end the growing season.
Residents are urged to protect sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing. Gardeners should cover or move plants indoors, while homeowners are advised to drain hoses and insulate exposed faucets. According to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the combination of frost and freezing temperatures could kill unprotected crops and garden plants.
Motorists traveling along higher ridges should prepare for frosted windshields and slippery bridge surfaces during early commutes. Sunshine returns Thursday and Friday with cool afternoons and cold nights, before a gradual warm-up into the weekend.
