Weather
Ohio Valley Freeze Alert: 27°F Cold Through 9 AM Oct. 18
Charleston, WV – A widespread freeze warning remains in effect across portions of four states early Sunday, October 18, as temperatures could drop as low as 27 degrees before 9 a.m. EDT, threatening s
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-18T07:36:12.977Z
Charleston, WV – A widespread freeze warning remains in effect across portions of four states early Sunday, October 18, as temperatures could drop as low as 27 degrees before 9 a.m. EDT, threatening sensitive vegetation, crops and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, West Virginia, the warning remains active until 9 a.m. Sunday for large portions of West Virginia and neighboring areas of southeastern Ohio, northeastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia.
The warning covers numerous communities across the region, including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, Elkins, Logan and Fayetteville in West Virginia.
In Ohio, affected locations include Athens, Marietta, Gallipolis, Jackson, Ironton and Pomeroy. Kentucky communities under the warning include Ashland, Grayson, Russell and Louisa, while southwestern Virginia locations include Grundy and Clintwood.
Temperatures could fall to 27 degrees, several degrees below freezing, creating conditions capable of damaging or killing sensitive plants and crops.
The National Weather Service also warns that unprotected outdoor plumbing could sustain damage from the freezing temperatures.
Residents with gardens, outdoor plants or exposed plumbing should take precautions before temperatures recover. Bringing vulnerable potted plants indoors, protecting sensitive vegetation and insulating exposed pipes can help reduce potential damage.
The warning extends across urban communities, rural valleys and mountainous areas, meaning residents throughout the affected region should remain alert to freezing conditions during the early morning hours.
Motorists should also watch for frost on vehicles before heading out Sunday morning. Drivers may need additional time to clear windshields before traveling.
The freeze warning is scheduled to expire at 9 a.m. EDT Sunday, October 18.