The Northeast-focused midweek storm system impacting much of the eastern United States is expected to bring rapidly changing conditions to West Virginia, placing the state squarely in a transition zone from Wednesday into Thursday. While the overall pattern is becoming clearer, exact impacts across West Virginia remain conditional, depending on temperature timing and storm strength.
On Wednesday, much of the state is expected to see rain or a rain-and-snow mix, especially across lower elevations, including the Charleston metro area. Temperatures may rise into the upper 30s and 40s, allowing precipitation to remain mostly liquid for a time. In higher elevations, including parts of the Allegheny Mountains and northern counties, snow or a wintry mix may occur earlier in the day.
By Wednesday night, colder air pushing south and west from the Northeast is expected to begin changing precipitation over to snow, first across northern and eastern West Virginia, including areas near Morgantown, Elkins, and Snowshoe. As the cold air deepens, snow may expand into central portions of the state.
Thursday appears to carry the highest likelihood for accumulating snow, particularly in the mountains and along the Interstate 79 and Interstate 68 corridors. Snowfall amounts remain uncertain, but slick roads, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel conditions are possible, especially during the morning and midday hours. Gusty winds may also contribute to blowing snow in higher terrain.
The primary concern is the rain-to-snow transition, which could lead to flash-freezing on untreated roads as temperatures fall. Even modest snowfall could create outsized travel impacts.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely, as small shifts in storm track or cold air timing could significantly change snowfall amounts and impact levels across West Virginia.
