CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Weather Service has issued multiple Winter Storm Watches for West Virginia, warning that a potentially significant winter storm could impact the state from Saturday morning through Monday, with heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions likely.
Timing
For most of West Virginia, the Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday morning.
In southeast West Virginia, including parts of Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier counties, the watch extends through Monday afternoon, reflecting the potential for longer-lasting snowfall.
Expected Snow Totals
Across much of the state, forecasters say 6 to 12 inches of snow is possible. In higher-elevation and southeastern counties, snowfall totals could be higher, ranging from 8 to 14 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in mountain areas. In northwest Pocahontas and southeast Randolph counties, totals during the weekend storm could reach 10 to 15 inches.
West Virginia Counties Under a Winter Storm Watch
The following West Virginia counties are included in the Winter Storm Watch:
Mercer, Summers, Monroe, Greenbrier (eastern and western), Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Lincoln, Putnam, Kanawha, Roane, Wirt, Calhoun, Ritchie, Doddridge, Mingo, Logan, Boone, Clay, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, McDowell, Wyoming, Upshur, Barbour, Raleigh (northwest and southeast), Fayette (northwest and southeast), Nicholas (northwest and southeast), Webster (northwest and southeast), Pocahontas (southeast), and Randolph (northwest).
Impacts
The National Weather Service warns that travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly late Sunday into Monday morning, potentially impacting school schedules, work commutes, and emergency travel. Snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and drifting snow are all possible, especially in higher elevations.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates as the storm approaches, as watches may be upgraded to warnings and snowfall projections may change.
