Charleston, West Virginia – West Virginia wakes up to light flakes, muted skies, and a cold that bites exposed skin. Snow showers drift through the mountains early, briefly whitening fields and coating untreated roads. Pavement looks wet now, but temperatures sit low enough for sudden slick spots to form as traffic picks up.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, bands of snow moving across the region may quickly reduce visibility and create patchy road icing. A Special Weather Statement remains in effect for much of central and southern West Virginia, including Kanawha, Cabell, Putnam, Raleigh, and surrounding counties. Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance, especially on secondary roads and shaded stretches.
Conditions stay brisk through the day, with light snow or flurries lingering at times. Highs struggle to climb out of the lower 20s, keeping any melting limited. That sets up a familiar late-January problem: brief daytime thawing followed by refreezing. Flash-freeze conditions are possible on bridges, overpasses, and ramps after sunset.
Attention then shifts to the end of the week. Another system developing to the southwest is expected to pull moisture north, bringing renewed snow chances starting Friday and lingering into Sunday. With the Great Lakes nearly half frozen, colder air moving east favors snow over rain across much of the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians. Even small amounts could snarl travel if temperatures hover near freezing.
Plan extra time if traveling late week. Keep a winter kit in the car and monitor updates, as additional advisories may be issued. Seeing slick roads where you live? Let us know what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Charleston, West Virginia
- Today: Light snow and flurries at times, cold, highs in the low 20s
- Thursday: Mostly dry, very cold, highs mid-20s
- Friday: Snow chances increase, highs near the low 20s
- Saturday: On-and-off snow possible, highs in the teens
- Sunday: Lingering snow chances, cold, highs near 20
