West Virginia – A potent cold front racing through the state late Sunday is expected to bring strong to potentially damaging winds, plunging temperatures, and accumulating snow in the mountains through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are forecast across much of central and western West Virginia beginning Sunday evening. In the higher elevations of eastern West Virginia, including areas near Snowshoe and along the Allegheny Mountains, gusts could reach 55 to 60 mph overnight into Monday.
Forecasters said winds will intensify as the cold front passes overnight, then remain gusty throughout Monday and into early Tuesday. The strongest winds are expected in mountain locations, where downed trees and scattered power outages are possible. Winds in the lowlands may also be strong enough to blow around unsecured outdoor objects.
Temperatures will drop sharply behind the front on Monday. Any lingering rain showers are expected to transition to snow by Monday afternoon as colder air moves in. Snow showers are forecast to continue Monday evening and overnight, mainly across central and northern West Virginia.
The National Weather Service expects minimal snow accumulation in the lowlands due to warm ground temperatures. However, several inches of snow could accumulate in the higher elevations of the central and northern mountains through Monday night.
Wind chills may fall into the single digits in the mountains by Monday night, adding to hazardous conditions for outdoor travel and work. Commuters, students, and outdoor workers are urged to prepare for strong winds and colder-than-recent conditions, particularly during the Monday morning and evening travel periods.
A brief break in the active pattern is expected later Tuesday into early Wednesday. However, forecasters note another fast-moving Alberta Clipper system could bring additional snow showers to the region by Wednesday night, potentially affecting New Year travel.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates and any wind advisories or warnings at weather.gov/rlx.
