Charleston, West Virginia – 25°F overnight lows are expected to damage crops and freeze outdoor plumbing through Sunday morning, creating widespread impacts across the coalfields and surrounding regions.
Temperatures will fall sharply late tonight, with many areas across southern West Virginia, northeast Kentucky, and southwest Virginia dropping into the mid-20s before sunrise Sunday. The coldest conditions are expected between roughly 2 a.m. and 10 a.m., when frost and freeze impacts will be most severe.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Freeze Watch is in effect for counties including Logan, Mingo, McDowell, and Wyoming in West Virginia, along with portions of northeast Kentucky and southwest Virginia. Cities such as Huntington, Logan, Beckley, Williamson, and Grundy are all within the highest risk zone.
Sensitive vegetation, early spring crops, and fruit trees are especially vulnerable to damage or loss. Low-lying valleys and rural areas will see the coldest temperatures, while unprotected pipes and irrigation systems could also be at risk.
Residents should cover or bring in plants, protect outdoor plumbing, and prepare for freezing conditions overnight. Agricultural interests should act now to limit crop damage.
Temperatures will rise above freezing by mid-morning Sunday, ending the immediate threat, though additional cold weather alerts may follow if similar conditions return early next week.
