WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) -The National Weather Service has issued a series of Cold Weather Advisories and an Extreme Cold Warning across portions of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, warning residents to prepare for potentially dangerous wind chills beginning early Sunday and lasting through Monday morning.
Forecasters say temperatures combined with strong winds could push wind chills well below zero, creating hazardous conditions for anyone without proper protection.
Cold Weather Advisory for Much of West Virginia and Southwest Virginia
A widespread Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday for a large portion of central, southern, northeastern, and southwestern West Virginia, including communities such as Beckley, Elkins, Welch, Summersville, Oak Hill, Buckhannon, Webster Springs, Marlinton, Fayetteville, Richwood, and others across the affected counties.
Wind chill readings are expected to fall as low as 12 degrees below zero in some areas.
Potential Impacts
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Risk of hypothermia if precautions are not taken
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Possible ruptured water pipes due to prolonged freezing temperatures
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Danger increases during early morning and overnight hours
Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure and take steps to protect both people and property.
Advisory Extends Into Northwest North Carolina and Along the Blue Ridge
A separate Cold Weather Advisory covers portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and southeast West Virginia—including cities such as Boone, Galax, Radford, Blacksburg, Lewisburg, Pearisburg, Covington, Roanoke, and Bluefield.
Wind chills in these areas could reach 15 degrees below zero, creating a heightened risk for frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those without proper winter clothing.
Officials urge residents who must go outdoors to dress in layered clothing, including hats, gloves, and face coverings.
Western Greenbrier County Under Extreme Cold Warning
The harshest conditions are expected in Western Greenbrier County, where an Extreme Cold Warning has been issued from 4 a.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday.
Wind chills may plummet to 25 degrees below zero, which forecasters warn could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Precautions for Extreme Cold
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Wear multiple layers, protective headgear, gloves, and face coverings
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Limit time outdoors as much as possible
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Allow indoor faucets to drip or insulate pipes to prevent freezing
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Check on elderly neighbors, vulnerable individuals, and outdoor animals
Stay Informed
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor up-to-date information at weather.gov/rlx and follow local forecasts on X and Facebook.
With dangerously cold air moving in, officials urge the public to take the warnings seriously and prepare ahead of Sunday morning’s temperature drop.
