Charleston, WV – West Virginia residents are being urged to prepare for a week of rapidly changing winter weather as multiple Alberta Clippers may bring pop-up snowstorms every other day from Saturday, December 7, through Friday, December 13, according to early meteorological outlooks. The active pattern may lead to recurring travel concerns across the Appalachians and the broader Mid-Atlantic.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a strong northwest flow will carry several fast-moving disturbances—often referred to collectively as the “Clipper Express”—over the Great Lakes and into the central and southern Appalachians. These systems typically produce quick bursts of snow, gusty winds, and sudden temperature shifts.
The first disturbance is expected to approach Saturday night, with additional clippers likely arriving in 48-hour intervals across West Virginia. While exact snowfall totals remain uncertain, the NWS warns that even minor accumulation may lead to slick roads, particularly in Charleston, Huntington, and communities along the I-64 and I-79 corridors.
Forecasters emphasize that the track and intensity of each clipper will determine snowfall distribution. Higher elevations—including Snowshoe, Summersville, Beckley, and the Allegheny Highlands—could see enhanced snowfall as cold northwest winds interact with the terrain.
Travel impacts may extend across both northern West Virginia, including Morgantown and Clarksburg, and southern regions such as Bluefield and Princeton. Quick changes in visibility and road conditions are possible through the entire December 7–13 period.
The NWS encourages residents to monitor updated forecasts and remain prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions as additional guidance becomes available.
