Charleston, West Virginia – Drivers across central and northern West Virginia could face dangerous travel conditions beginning late Wednesday as a winter storm spreads heavy snow and powerful wind gusts across the region, impacting roads overnight into Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday for Taylor, Upshur, Barbour, Webster, Pocahontas, and Randolph counties. Snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches are expected, with locally higher totals in the higher terrain. Wind gusts up to 45 mph may lead to blowing and drifting snow while also increasing the risk of downed tree branches.
Communities including Buckhannon, Elkins, Philippi, Grafton, Belington, Harman, and Snowshoe are likely to see rapidly deteriorating conditions Wednesday evening. Mountain roads such as U.S. 33, U.S. 250, and Route 92 could become snow-covered quickly, especially overnight when visibility may drop sharply in heavier snow bands.
Officials warn that the combination of snowfall and gusty winds could make both the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes hazardous. Motorists are urged to delay travel if possible and carry emergency supplies if driving cannot be avoided.
Snow tapers off Thursday morning, but slick roads and lingering blowing snow could persist into the early hours. Additional advisories may be issued if snowfall rates increase or winds remain strong.
