Beckley, West Virginia – Up to two tenths of an inch of ice could coat mountain roads by midday Monday, creating dangerous travel across southern West Virginia that may last into Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 7 a.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday for southeast Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties, along with Webster, Pocahontas and Randolph counties. Snow and sleet totals may reach 2 inches, with ice accumulation up to 0.20 inches along east- and southeast-facing mountain slopes and in the Greenbrier Valley.
Even a tenth of an inch of ice can snap tree limbs and weigh down power lines, and forecasters warn that higher ridges near Snowshoe, Marlinton and Harman face the greatest icing risk. Roads including portions of U.S. 19 near Beckley, U.S. 219 through Pocahontas County and Route 39 across the mountains could turn slick quickly, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Both the Monday morning and evening commutes may see reduced traction, with additional icy spots lingering into early Tuesday. Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and check WV 511 for live road updates. Residents are urged to charge devices and prepare for isolated power outages if heavier icing develops.
The advisory runs through 10 a.m. Tuesday, and additional alerts could be issued if ice totals increase overnight.
