Weather
West Virginia Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Snow Squalls Trap Drivers
Charleston, WV – West Virginia drivers traveling through mountain communities can encounter dangerous highway conditions when fast moving snow squalls suddenly reduce visibility to near zero. As winte
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-28T09:39:09.374Z
Charleston, WV – West Virginia drivers traveling through mountain communities can encounter dangerous highway conditions when fast moving snow squalls suddenly reduce visibility to near zero. As winter weather awareness messaging continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, motorists are being reminded that brief bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds can create hazardous travel conditions within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are short lived, intense bursts of snowfall accompanied by strong winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. These conditions can quickly cover roadways, reduce traction and increase the risk of multivehicle crashes.
How Snow Squalls Threaten West Virginia Highways Unlike prolonged winter storms, snow squalls can arrive suddenly, leaving drivers little time to respond before visibility drops and pavement becomes slippery.
Interstate 64, Interstate 68, Interstate 79, Interstate 77 and Interstate 81 are among the major travel corridors where sudden snowfall could create hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists traveling through Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Greenbrier and Raleigh counties may face additional risks along elevated highways, steep mountain grades and exposed roadways.
The Allegheny Mountains and higher elevations of eastern West Virginia are particularly vulnerable to rapidly changing winter conditions.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
These warnings generally last 30 to 60 minutes and may activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
A warning signals an immediate threat to motorists, particularly those traveling at highway speeds where sudden visibility loss can contribute to chain reaction crashes.
What West Virginia Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve .
Motorists already traveling should:
Reduce speed gradually and increase following distance. Turn on headlights to improve visibility. Avoid sudden braking or abrupt lane changes. Exit the highway safely before entering dangerous conditions when possible. Never stop in an active travel lane during a whiteout. Residents can monitor official warnings through the NWS Charleston office , NWS Pittsburgh office and NWS Baltimore/Washington office , which serve different portions of West Virginia.
Winter weather awareness messaging continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of this preparedness series , emphasizing how quickly snow squalls can transform West Virginia highways into dangerous whiteout conditions.