Charleston, W.Va. — A powerful mountain wind storm slammed U.S. 219 from the Green Bank line through Snowshoe Mountain late Friday, battering northwest Pocahontas and southeast Randolph counties with gusts topping 55 mph as the corridor entered a prolonged high-wind window that runs through Saturday night.
The National Weather Service in Charleston said northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph will surge higher along exposed ridges and passes, making travel hazardous for high-profile vehicles on U.S. 219, WV 66, and connecting mountain routes from Mill Point to Harman. The high wind warning remains active from late Friday night through Saturday evening, followed closely by an extreme cold warning that deepens the danger overnight into Sunday morning.
State transportation officials warned that strong crosswinds will shove vehicles across lanes on open stretches near Snowshoe, Slatyfork, and the higher elevations east of Marlinton, while blowing snow from surrounding peaks may slash visibility in bursts. Along WV 66, impacts extend toward Bowden and into southeast Randolph County, where gusts accelerate through gaps and valleys.
Beyond the wind, life-threatening cold arrives after midnight Saturday as Arctic air pours into the mountains. Wind chills are forecast to plunge as low as 30 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in about 10 minutes, according to the weather service. Crews urged motorists to carry winter survival gear and to avoid unnecessary travel during the overnight hours.
The most dangerous conditions persist through Saturday night, with winds slowly easing Sunday morning as the cold loosens its grip and a quieter pattern begins to settle in behind the departing system.
