Charleston, West Virginia – A colder, storm-friendly pattern is locking in across West Virginia as December begins, prompting a December Snow Alert while winter in Charleston becomes more active. While it’s too early to determine exactly how many inches of snow could fall, one thing is certain: West Virginia is positioned for an above-average amount as colder air merges with increasing storm chances.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures and near- to above-normal precipitation are favored across the central Appalachians through December. According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, this setup supports several windows for accumulating snow, including upslope events that frequently deliver heavier totals to the higher terrain of Raleigh, Fayette, Pocahontas, and Randolph counties.
According to WVDOT, travel hazards may rise along I-64, I-77, I-79, and mountain passes where quick bursts of snow, slick bridges, and reduced visibility can complicate both morning and evening commutes. Black ice is possible before sunrise when temperatures dip below freezing. Drivers should carry winter kits, charge devices, and allow extra time on untreated roads.
Holiday events across Charleston, Beckley, and the Kanawha Valley may face schedule changes if clippers or Appalachian snow belts intensify during peak travel periods. Residents should dress in layers, protect exposed pipes, and prepare for brief power outages if heavy, wetter snow loads weigh on limbs and lines during stronger upslope setups.
While storm totals remain uncertain, long-range trends continue to favor a colder, more active pattern — raising confidence that West Virginia is headed for a snowy December and improving the chance of a White Christmas for many mountain communities.
