Rainelle, West Virginia – Travel across western Greenbrier County could become impossible within hours as heavy snow and 50 mph wind gusts intensify through 1 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a strengthening coastal storm moving north from North Carolina will continue to wrap moisture and strong winds into the higher terrain of southeastern West Virginia. An additional 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected across western Greenbrier County, including Quinwood, Rainelle and Duo.
Snow-covered roads will quickly turn slick as temperatures fall into the teens Sunday night. Wind chills are forecast to dip near zero late Sunday night into Monday. Blowing and drifting snow may sharply reduce visibility, especially along Route 60 and Route 39, making travel extremely dangerous during both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph could down tree limbs and lead to scattered power outages. Rural and higher-elevation roads may become impassable before crews can clear them.
Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel. If you must drive, pack food, water, blankets and a charged phone, and check 511 for updated road conditions. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday, and additional alerts are possible if conditions worsen overnight.
