Weather
West Virginia Weather Alert Today: Freeze Ahead Snowflakes Possible Oct 17
CHARLESTON, WV – Residents across parts of West Virginia face a sharp weather change Friday, October 16, as a strong cold front brings scattered thunderstorms, gusty winds and the possibility of damag
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-16T10:31:17.131Z
CHARLESTON, WV – Residents across parts of West Virginia face a sharp weather change Friday, October 16, as a strong cold front brings scattered thunderstorms, gusty winds and the possibility of damaging wind gusts. By Sunday morning, widespread frost and freezing temperatures are expected across much of the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the cold front will move quickly through the region Friday, producing scattered showers and thunderstorms, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe during the afternoon.
Northern and eastern West Virginia face the greatest concern for strong thunderstorms , with damaging winds identified as the primary hazard.
Even outside thunderstorms, gusty conditions are expected across the region. Wind gusts could reach 15 to 30 mph in lower elevations and 25 to 40 mph across higher terrain.
Communities including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Elkins and Beckley could experience periods of rain as the front moves through.
Rainfall totals are generally expected to remain at or below half an inch, although precipitation chances vary by location and time.
The first snowflakes of the season could also appear late Friday night into early Saturday across the highest elevations of West Virginia's northern mountains. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.
Scattered showers may linger Friday evening and overnight, with isolated showers possible Saturday morning across higher terrain and northern lowlands.
The bigger temperature concern arrives Sunday morning, when the National Weather Service expects widespread frost or freezing conditions across the region.
Additional frost or freezing temperatures may develop Monday morning.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects during Friday's gusty conditions and prepare to protect sensitive plants before temperatures drop over the weekend.
Drivers should remain alert for reduced visibility during heavier showers and strong crosswinds, especially on exposed mountain highways.
Drier weather and a gradual warming trend are expected beginning Sunday and continuing through much of next week.