Charleston, West Virginia — One hundred sixty million Americans are prepared and monitoring what forecasters say is shaping up to be the largest snowstorm of the season, as winter storm warnings remain in effect across portions of Ohio and West Virginia through Monday, Jan. 26.
For this region, the first phase of the storm is expected to fall primarily as heavy snow. According to the National Weather Service, much of eastern Ohio and northern and central West Virginia could see snowfall totals exceeding one foot, with locally higher amounts possible across the Appalachian highlands and along upslope-prone areas.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center places the Ohio–West Virginia region within a high-confidence zone for moderate to heavy snow impacts from Friday through Sunday. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times, sharply reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions along major corridors, including Interstate 70, Interstate 77, Interstate 64, and U.S. Route 33.
Transportation officials warn that prolonged snowfall could lead to extended road closures, disabled vehicles, and significant delays for emergency responders and commercial traffic. Snow-covered highways, blowing snow, and rapidly changing conditions may make travel unsafe or impossible during peak periods, particularly overnight and early morning hours.
Residents are urged to complete storm preparations before conditions deteriorate, including stocking food, medications, and emergency supplies. Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy snowfall and to closely monitor roadway conditions if travel cannot be postponed. Commuters, energy workers, and delivery drivers should expect disruptions that may continue into early next week.
Behind the storm, a surge of Arctic air is forecast to settle across Ohio, West Virginia, and much of the Midwest and East Coast. Temperatures are expected to plunge well below seasonal averages, with dangerous wind chills locking snowpack in place and prolonging hazardous conditions even after snowfall ends.
While a brief lull in snowfall is possible between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, forecasters caution that the broader pattern supports continued cold and winter weather into early February, limiting melting and extending impacts across the region.
