West Virginia – Snow begins sweeping across the Appalachians this morning, transforming wet pavement into white as a powerful winter storm takes hold. By early afternoon, the rain in Charleston and across the Kanawha Valley will mix with and change to snow, part of a larger system delivering 4 to 8 inches statewide, with gusts up to 45 mph in the mountains.
A Blizzard Warning remains in effect for Pocahontas, Randolph, and Webster Counties until 10 a.m. Thursday, while lower elevations—including Charleston—are under a Winter Weather Advisory for 2 to 4 inches of accumulation. Visibility will fall fast as the wind picks up through the afternoon and into the evening commute.
Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly. I-79, I-64, and Route 19 may see slick bridges and flash freezing as temperatures drop into the 20s by nightfall. Drivers should avoid unnecessary trips and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. Strong gusts could also knock down tree limbs and cause spotty power outages in rural areas.
Thursday remains breezy and cold, with lingering snow showers before calmer skies return Friday. The weekend looks clear but chilly, highs rebounding into the 30s before another weak disturbance may bring light snow Sunday night.
Action tip: If you must travel, carry an emergency kit, blankets, and a charged phone. Expect plow crews to work through the night restoring main routes by Friday morning.
Five-Day Outlook for Charleston, WV
- Thursday: Rain/snow early, high 33°F, low 25°F, breezy.
- Friday: Rain/snow mix, high 38°F, low 28°F, clearing late.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 39°F, low 18°F, calmer winds.
- Sunday: Snow likely, high 36°F, low 25°F, 60% chance.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 31°F, low 20°F, cold and dry.
