Drivers across northern West Virginia should be on high alert today as snow squalls develop behind an arctic cold front, capable of producing brief but intense snowfall, gusty winds, and sudden near-whiteout conditions.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, snow squalls are possible this afternoon and early evening across the northern tier of the state. These fast-moving bursts can quickly coat roads and sharply reduce visibility, even when conditions appear clear moments earlier.
The highest risk areas include major travel corridors such as Interstate 79 from Morgantown through Clarksburg, Interstate 68 near the Maryland border, and Interstate 70 near Wheeling. Additional impacts are possible along US-50, US-119, WV-7, and WV-2, particularly in open and elevated areas where blowing snow can rapidly cross lanes.
Snow squalls are especially dangerous because they arrive with little warning, often causing visibility to drop to near zero and road surfaces to become slick within minutes. Gusty winds may worsen conditions by blowing snow across highways, increasing the risk of spinouts and multi-vehicle crashes.
Motorists are urged to slow down immediately if a snow squall is encountered, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. If visibility drops sharply, drivers should consider pulling off the roadway safely until conditions improve.
The snow squall threat should diminish later today, but cold and windy conditions will persist, keeping winter travel hazards elevated across northern West Virginia into tonight.
