Weather
West Virginia Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Charleston, WV – Could a short walk outside or a few minutes in freezing wind be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, West Virginia residents are b
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-26T06:48:06.508Z
Charleston, WV – Could a short walk outside or a few minutes in freezing wind be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, West Virginia residents are being reminded that strong winds can turn bitter cold into a serious health threat. Under extreme conditions, exposed skin can develop frostbite in minutes.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Strong winds carry heat away from the body faster, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? The lower the wind chill, the faster exposed skin can freeze.
NWS guidance indicates frostbite may develop in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At more extreme values, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
Warning signs include numbness, pale or waxy looking skin and reduced sensation. Hypothermia can cause intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness.
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia needs immediate medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor updated forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and wear protective winter clothing when outside.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, exposed water pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature. However, strong winds can make those objects cool toward the air temperature more quickly.
How Can West Virginia Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, ice scraper and winter emergency supplies. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across West Virginia From Charleston and Kanawha County to Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Beckley, Elkins and Martinsburg, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
The Allegheny Mountains and higher elevations of eastern West Virginia can experience some of the state's harshest winter conditions.
Communities near Snowshoe Mountain, Canaan Valley and the Monongahela National Forest are especially exposed to cold temperatures and strong mountain winds.
In the Charleston and Huntington areas, commuters, outdoor workers and residents waiting for transportation can face dangerous exposure during cold outbreaks.
Travelers along Interstate 64, Interstate 77, Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 33 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns during extreme cold.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.