West Virginia – A damp chill hangs over the Kanawha Valley this morning as fog and freezing drizzle linger under gray skies. Roads glisten faintly with early ice as temperatures hover in the 20s to low 30s, a perfect setup for black ice and slick travel across Charleston and much of southern and central West Virginia.
The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Special Weather Statement, warning of areas of freezing fog and drizzle through early Saturday. Any standing water from yesterday’s rain will refreeze, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and rural roadways in higher terrain. Drivers along I-64, I-77, and Route 60 should expect patchy fog and icy spots through midmorning.
Visibility will vary sharply by location, especially in hollows and along the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, where fog tends to pool. Slow down, use headlights, and leave extra braking distance—conditions may look clear until you hit an unexpected icy stretch.
Sunday brings a slight warmup with highs near 47°F and a chance of light rain by late afternoon, while Sunday night could see a mix of rain and snow before colder air returns Monday. Early next week stays dry and cool, with highs in the mid-30s to low-40s.
Meteorologists say the Dec. 11–17 period could mark the region’s first true winter setup, with colder air surging in from the Midwest and potential snow chances expanding across the Appalachians.
