WEST VIRGINIA — The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for several mountain counties in West Virginia, warning of whiteout conditions, strong winds, and hazardous travel through Thursday morning.
The warnings cover high-elevation areas in Webster, Pocahontas, Randolph, Grant, Pendleton, Greenbrier, Preston, and Tucker Counties, including well-known mountain communities such as Snowshoe, Harman, Quinwood, Davis, Canaan Valley, and Terra Alta.
In Northwest Pocahontas, Southeast Webster, and Southeast Randolph Counties, snow totals between 4 and 8 inchesare expected, with locally higher amounts likely around Snowshoe.
Winds could reach 45 mph, dramatically reducing visibility and causing drifting snow. Conditions are expected to worsen during the Wednesday evening commute and remain dangerous into Thursday morning.
Farther north, Western Grant and Western Pendleton Counties are also under a blizzard warning, where snow totals could reach 8 to 12 inches along western-facing slopes above 2,500 feet. Winds may gust up to 50 mph, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less at times.
In Western Greenbrier County, including Quinwood and Rainelle, 5 to 8 inches of snow and winds up to 45 mph are forecast, while Eastern Preston and Eastern Tucker Counties, including Davis, Canaan Valley, Terra Alta, and Rowlesburg, could see 4 to 7 inches of snow with a light glaze of ice, creating especially hazardous conditions on bridges and overpasses.
Officials warn that travel should be limited to emergencies only, as whiteout conditions may make driving treacherous or life-threatening. Those who must travel are urged to carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded. Road conditions can be monitored by calling 511.
The National Weather Service also warns of the potential for downed tree branches due to strong winds, adding to the hazards. Snow is expected to taper gradually after 10 a.m. Thursday, but cold winds and drifting snow may continue to cause travel problems.
