West Virginia wakes to a quiet gray sky, but change is already moving in. Light flakes begin drifting down by mid-morning, clinging to windshields and softening rooftops across the Kanawha Valley. Conditions will steadily worsen through the day.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect this morning through early Saturday for Charleston and much of central and western West Virginia. Snow develops late morning and continues into tonight. Total accumulations range between 2 and 4 inches, with locally higher amounts in elevated terrain. Winds gust up to 35 mph, creating brief reductions in visibility and drifting snow.
Travel impacts increase quickly. Roads turn slick by afternoon, especially on untreated surfaces. The evening commute faces the highest risk as snowfall intensifies and temperatures fall. Expect slowdowns on I-64, I-77, and Route 119. Plan extra travel time and use caution on bridges and ramps.
Cold air follows behind the snow. Temperatures drop into the teens tonight, and wind chills dip near zero in exposed areas. Any melting snow may refreeze after sunset, raising concerns for flash freezing on sidewalks, driveways, and secondary roads.
Saturday brings improvement, but winter holds on. Skies clear, yet highs struggle to reach the low 20s. Northwest winds keep the air biting through the morning before easing late. Sunday stays mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow and highs near 28 degrees.
A noticeable pattern shift arrives early next week. Monday climbs into the mid-40s, Tuesday reaches the low 50s, and midweek rain replaces snow as temperatures trend above normal. February hints at spring, but not before this winter punch passes.
For now, slow down and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Watch your footing and check road updates before traveling. Seeing heavier snow where you live?
Five-Day Outlook – Charleston, WV
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, cold. High 21°F
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, slight snow chance. High 28°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, milder. High 45°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny. High 54°F
- Wednesday: Rain likely. High 48°F
