LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The mountains of southeastern West Virginia are bracing for their first true winter storm of the season tonight, as heavy, wind-driven snow sweeps across Western Greenbrier County. Snowflakes will thicken after sunset, coating the Allegheny ridges and leaving roads slick and icy through Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Total snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected, with gusty winds reaching 45 mph likely to blow snow across higher terrain and valleys near Rainelle, Quinwood, and Duo. The heaviest snow bands will develop late tonight into Monday, creating hazardous travel conditions during both the morning and evening commutes.
Wind-swept snow and falling branches could cause scattered power outages, especially in rural mountain communities. Motorists on U.S. 60 and Route 20 should expect drifting snow, poor visibility, and slippery stretches through late Monday. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, charge devices, and keep emergency kits in vehicles.
Forecasters expect lingering flurries into early Tuesday before clearing skies and subfreezing wind chills set in. This storm serves as a winter wake-up call for the Greenbrier highlands, where another cold surge could follow by the end of the week, keeping snow chances alive well ahead of Thanksgiving.
