Charleston, West Virginia — A sharp late-season cold snap will move into West Virginia early Friday, May 8, bringing freezing overnight temperatures, gusty winds, and periods of rain that could disrupt travel and outdoor activity across Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Beckley.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 50–60% below normal through May 14, with the coldest air settling in Friday night into early Saturday. The most critical window is from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, when temperatures are expected to fall to or below 32 degrees, especially across higher elevations and interior valleys.
That cold will create immediate impacts. Frost is likely in mountain and valley locations near Beckley and Morgantown, where colder air settles quickly, increasing the risk of plant damage and exposing early-shift workers to freezing conditions. Bridges and overpasses along I-64, I-77, and I-79 may develop slick spots before sunrise, raising the risk for early morning travel.
Rain moving in Friday night will reduce visibility and lead to rapid water pooling. Low-lying roads along the Kanawha River in Charleston and flood-prone hollows and underpasses in Huntington and Parkersburg could see standing water develop within minutes during heavier showers.
Winds will strengthen Saturday into Sunday, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, especially along ridgelines. Those winds may bring down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages in wooded and elevated areas.
Drivers should slow down on wet or slick roads, particularly before sunrise, and avoid water-covered roadways. Residents should cover sensitive plants and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the wind.
The highest risk for freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions peaks early Saturday between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m.
