CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A major winter storm is expected to impact the entire region this weekend, prompting Winter Storm Warnings across the full forecast area of the National Weather Service Charleston WV amid growing concern over heavy ice accumulations.
Forecasters say confidence is high that a prolonged period of mixed winter precipitation will move in Saturday afternoon and persist through Monday morning. Updated guidance shows increasing ice accumulations across parts of southern West Virginia and the higher elevations, where freezing rain is expected to last longer from Saturday night into Sunday.
As ice amounts rise, overall snowfall totals are expected to decrease in portions of southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, where precipitation is now forecast to fall more as freezing rain and sleet rather than snow.
The expanding ice threat raises the risk for dangerous travel conditions and long-lasting power outages, especially in areas that experience significant icing. Ice accumulation on trees and power lines could lead to outages that persist well beyond the end of the storm.
In addition to the winter storm, forecasters have issued a Cold Weather Advisory for parts of southeast Ohio and north-central West Virginia from 8 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday. Wind chills in those areas could drop as low as 10 degrees below zero, creating hazardous conditions ahead of the storm.
What to Expect
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Timing: Saturday afternoon through Monday morning
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Impacts: Difficult to impossible travel, dangerous icing, potential power outages
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Confidence: High
After the storm moves out, arctic air will settle into the region, bringing a prolonged stretch of below-freezing temperatures through early next week. Officials warn this could worsen the impacts of any power outages, with very cold overnight lows expected.
Residents are urged to complete preparations ahead of the storm, avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the event, and be ready for the possibility of extended power disruptions as the region faces one of the most impactful winter storms of the season.
