Charleston, WV – The first full taste of December cold has settled into the Mountain State, and with it comes a hazardous mix of freezing air and slick roads through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service in Charleston warns that temperatures dipping into the teens and 20s will cause any standing water from earlier flurries to freeze rapidly, creating black ice across portions of I-64, I-77, and Route 60.
Drivers heading out before sunrise should expect patchy ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded rural routes, especially in low-lying valleys where cold air settles fastest. Meteorologists note that while skies will gradually clear Wednesday, residual moisture could refreeze through the early commute, leading to sudden slick spots even where pavement appears dry.
Thursday remains cold and mostly cloudy, with highs near 36°F and a slight chance of snow showers returning by afternoon. A weak system late Friday could bring a rain-snow mix, marking another early sign of winter’s steady advance across the region.
Residents are advised to slow down, leave extra space, and allow additional time for travel through midweek. The combination of below-freezing temperatures and lingering damp surfaces is a classic setup for flash-freeze conditions — quick, invisible, and dangerous.
As this early-season cold snap tightens its grip, West Virginians are reminded: keep an ice scraper handy, and drive as though every turn hides a patch of black ice.
Have you noticed icy roads in your area this morning? Let us know your travel conditions.
5-Day Outlook for Charleston, WV (Dec. 3–7):
- Wednesday: Gradual clearing, high 39°F, low 25°F.
- Thursday: Slight chance snow, high 36°F, low 21°F.
- Friday: Rain/snow mix, high 42°F, low 31°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 43°F, low 28°F.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 42°F, low 27°F.
