Hinton, WV – Drivers across southern West Virginia have less than 36 hours to prepare for a snowstorm that could dump up to 8 inches of snow and whip winds to 40 mph, threatening travel on I-64 and secondary mountain roads by daybreak Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Storm Watch takes effect late Saturday night and remains in place through Monday evening for Summers and western Greenbrier counties. Forecasters say 2 to 8 inches of snow could accumulate, with higher totals possible along ridges near Rainelle and Quinwood. Wind gusts up to 40 mph may blow snow across roadways, cutting visibility and creating slick patches.
Statewide, the system is expected to spread snow across southern West Virginia, increasing the risk of hazardous travel into the start of the workweek. In Summers County, roads near Hinton, Hix and Duo could become snow-covered before sunrise Sunday. Mountain routes and untreated back roads will likely turn slippery first.
The greatest impact may hit during the Monday morning and evening commutes, when plow crews could struggle to keep up if snowfall rates intensify. Blowing snow may also reduce visibility on open stretches of highway.
Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel, winterize vehicles and allow extra stopping distance. Keep emergency supplies in your car and monitor updates through the weekend, as warnings may replace the watch if confidence in heavier snow increases.
