Weather
West Virginia Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Freezing Rain Threats
Charleston, WV – Ice covered mountain highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across West Virginia. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tu
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-27T07:48:17.644Z
Charleston, WV – Ice covered mountain highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across West Virginia. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can threaten travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make roads treacherous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity during major storms.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Drivers traveling Interstate 64, Interstate 77, Interstate 79 and Interstate 68 should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly through mountain passes and higher elevations.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase this risk, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Monongahela, Cheat, Tygart Valley and upper Potomac river systems can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups.
How West Virginia Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Charleston office , NWS Pittsburgh office and NWS Baltimore/Washington office , which cover different portions of West Virginia.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.