Tucker County, West Virginia – Heavy snowfall and strong winds are creating dangerous travel conditions across the eastern West Virginia mountains as a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Warning continues until 6 a.m. EST Saturday for Tucker County and eastern Preston County. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in higher elevations and favored upslope areas.
Wind gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour are causing blowing and drifting snow, leading to visibility dropping below one-quarter mile at times. These conditions are producing near-whiteout conditions, especially overnight and in open terrain.
Travel impacts are significant along U.S. Route 219, West Virginia Route 32, U.S. Route 48 (Corridor H), and secondary mountain roads, including routes serving Canaan Valley, Davis, Thomas, Parsons, Rowlesburg, Terra Alta, and Hendricks. Snow-covered roads and drifting may make travel difficult to impossible in some locations.
The National Weather Service notes that the hazardous conditions impacted the Friday evening commute and will continue to affect overnight travel and early-morning drivers. Bridges, overpasses, and exposed roadways are especially prone to rapid icing and drifting.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve after daybreak. Those who must travel should slow down, increase following distance, and be prepared for sudden visibility loss due to blowing snow.
Emergency officials encourage drivers to carry winter emergency supplies and to monitor local road conditions before departing. Snowfall reports can be shared with the National Weather Service to assist with ongoing forecasting and response.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Saturday morning as snowfall tapers off and winds weaken. Until then, residents across Tucker and eastern Preston counties should remain alert and take precautions to stay safe during the ongoing winter storm.
