Charleston, West Virginia — A winter weather advisory is in effect Sunday, as snow and cold temperatures are expected to hit the region.
Up to 5 inches of snow are expected, followed by the coldest temperatures of the season on Monday and Tuesday. Residents should be prepared for slippery roads and hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, the advisory will be in effect from 1 a.m.
Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. Snowfall is expected to intensify Sunday morning, causing significant delays on I-64, US-119, and other major routes.
Temperatures will drop rapidly as Arctic air moves in, with highs of only 15°F expected on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Sunday’s forecast predicts 3-5 inches of snow in central and northern West Virginia, with higher amounts possible near Elkins and Snowshoe. Winds of up to 15 mph may cause drifting snow in open areas, complicating travel.
The extreme cold watch begins Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to single digits and wind chills below zero through Tuesday night.
Residents should dress in layers, keep an eye on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid spending too much time outside.
The extended forecast predicts that conditions will improve midweek, with highs returning to the 20s by Wednesday. However, icy roads may persist, and officials advise drivers to proceed with caution until Tuesday.
Stay up to date on weather.gov forecasts and plan accordingly for potential power outages or delays caused by snow and extreme cold.