West Virginia wakes to a thin veil of light snow drifting across pavement, brushing rooftops, and settling into a crisp December chill. Traffic lights glow through the flakes, hinting at a fast-changing pattern that could disrupt travel from today through Sunday. Drivers should plan extra time now, as conditions may shift quickly into the afternoon.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains active through early afternoon, and slick spots—especially on bridges, ramps, and elevated sections of I-64—may develop as temperatures hover near freezing. Meteorologists continue tracking a sharp transition zone that could toggle between snow and a brief glaze of freezing rain. Even minor icing can cause sudden braking loss, so reduce speed on shaded stretches and rural routes.
Attention then turns to the Winter Storm Watch, already posted for Saturday afternoon through Sunday, signaling a stronger system with broader impacts. A developing wave is expected to pull deeper moisture across the Ohio Valley, and models hint at 3 to 5 inches of accumulating snow, with locally higher pockets possible. Roads may deteriorate quickly after sunset Saturday as colder air deepens.
By Sunday, colder northwest winds push across the Kanawha Valley, keeping snow showers active and visibility reduced at times. Plan ahead if you’re traveling for early holiday errands; conditions could change block by block. Keep winter kits in vehicles—gloves, scraper, bottled water—and prepare for possible delays.
Five-Day Outlook:
Saturday: Clouds thicken, snow arrives mid-afternoon. High near 40.
Sunday: Snow continues; high near 20. Gusty northwest winds intensify the chill.
Monday: Mostly sunny, calmer, but cold with highs near 26.
Tuesday: Sunny, seasonal; highs near 40.
Wednesday: Mild trend continues; highs near 43 with late-day clouds.
