Charleston, WV – Drivers across West Virginia are being urged to take extra precautions this Sunday morning as a flash freeze sets in following overnight snowfall. The National Weather Service says rapidly falling temperatures have likely caused wet roads to refreeze into black ice, making highways like I-79, I-64, and Route 119 dangerously slick.
A flash freeze occurs when temperatures plunge below freezing in a short span, turning slushy or wet pavement into a near-invisible layer of ice. These sudden freezes are especially hazardous on bridges, ramps, and shaded stretches of roadway.
Experts warn that on icy pavement, a vehicle traveling 35 mph may need up to 600 feet to stop — nearly six times more distance than on dry roads. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or cruise control.
“Even if skies clear, black ice can form quickly when temperatures drop fast,” the NWS cautioned Sunday. “Expect slick spots through the morning commute.”
Motorists across Kanawha, Monongalia, and Harrison Counties should allow extra time for travel and remain alert for freezing conditions until temperatures rise later in the day.
