Morrisey Warns Of Bitter Cold In Coming Days For State

Updated on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Following a weekend of snow and ice that blanketed much of West Virginia, state officials are now warning of frigid temperatures in its aftermath for much of the coming week.

“West Virginia is dealing with a very dangerous cocktail of snow, of sleet and ice, and then a lot of cold, cold temperatures that will be lasting a number of days,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in his Monday press conference on the winter storm. “And whenever you have precipitation and very cold weather, that creates one of the most dangerous conditions of all, which is a lot of ice.”

Because of the expectation that conditions will continue, Morrisey encouraged people to stay home and off the roads. 

“You only go out if you have to. I know that there are a lot of people that may look and see that the snow has really come to an end, and they may want to get out, but the road conditions are still slippery, and when you’re out on the roads, it’s more difficult for our highways team to get out and do their work,” he said. 

Morrisey noted that highway crews across the state have logged nearly 44,000 equipment hours and more than 68,000 man out manpower hours. They’ve applied almost 41,000 tons of salt and 390,000 gallons of a brine and beet juice mixture. That mixture is used to help brine operate at lower temperatures. 

The governor continued to urge West Virginians to call WV 211 “if you have a question or if you need to get to a warming station.”

Power outages rose to more than 40,000 customers Sunday, but Morrisey noted that, just before the noon briefing, fewer than 20,000 customers remained without power.

Updated on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday, on Truth Social, that he approved federal emergency declarations for Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the state’s congressional delegation made the formal request late Friday, hours after Morrisey declared a state-level state of emergency. 

A Presidential Emergency Declaration allows federal authorities to stage assets in advance of the storm. It would also allow the federal government to deliver assistance at an accelerated rate should the conditions dictate. 

Updated on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared Friday evening a State of Emergency for all 55 counties as a significant winter storm is expected to impact West Virginia this weekend.

Morrisey also formally requested that President Donald Trump issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration for the State of West Virginia in advance of the storm beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 through Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to bring extreme snowfall, significant ice accumulation, and dangerously cold temperatures, creating life-threatening conditions across the state. 

West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and narrow transportation corridors increase the risk of communities becoming isolated and critical infrastructure being impacted.

After consultation with FEMA and Federal Homeland Security, it was determined that a Presidential Emergency Declaration was appropriate because it would allow federal authorities to stage assets in advance of the storm. It would also allow the federal government to deliver assistance at an accelerated rate should the conditions dictate. 

Check National Weather Service Watches, Warnings or Advisories for all areas of W.Va.

• National Weather Service Charleston
• National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington (Eastern Panhandle)
• National Weather Service Blacksburg (Southeast WV)
• National Weather Service Pittsburgh (Northern Panhandle)

Original Story

What some are calling the largest storm to hit the country in recent memory is set to arrive in West Virginia Saturday. It is expected to bring with it snow and ice, leading to slick roads and downed power lines. Due to the extent of the storm, there may be significant delays in power restoration. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of preparedness on Wednesday, allowing the government to begin activating emergency management personnel to get ahead of the storm. 

“We know that in different parts of the state there are forecasts for snow,” he said. “It can range depending upon where you are, from three to seven inches. But also, importantly, there might be a line where it’s wintry, snow and icy mix, and that could create a very dangerous cocktail that we want people to avoid partaking in. We want to make sure that people are really aware of what’s happening on the ground, and then we’re of course, going to do everything we can as the snow and the ice fall.” 

Morrisey said the most important thing is reaching out for help if you need it. 

“We want to make sure that you’re getting prepared for this storm, and also for any of the conditions in the winter,” he said. “And also, once again, if you need help, reach out to that 211 number, and get the assistance that you need, because it’s better to be prepared than get stuck in a really bad place.”

That 211 number mentioned by Morrisey will provide a caller with assistance on where to find warming centers or food banks in their area. He also said state agencies, local emergency managers, public safety officials, utilities, FEMA, the National Weather Service and the federal Department of Homeland Security have been in close communication all week. Additionally, non-governmental, voluntary, and community organizations met Friday to discuss readiness related to food banks, shelters and crisis response plans.

As needed, the State Emergency Response Center will be activated and staffed to support coordination and focus the response on saving lives and protecting property.

“We’ve spent time talking with our state emergency response team, and I’m prepared to activate them,” Morrisey said. “They’re in a state of preparedness, but I’m prepared to activate them to be fully online. I expect that we will have very aggressive staffing throughout the weekend on that, but we’ll update you further. We’re going to make sure that the state is prepared for this.”

Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Matthew Blackwood, provided detailed guidance for West Virginians to prepare for extreme cold, hazardous travel and potential power disruptions. “This is about our response as a government, but also about the need for neighbors to look out for neighbors and plan ahead.”

Helpful Resources, Numbers

Prepare Now (Home & Vehicle):

• Review emergency supplies including food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and blankets.
• Review backup plans for medical equipment that requires power.
• Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Refill vehicle fuel and ensure approved alternative heating sources have adequate fuel and are used safely.
• Bring pets indoors and include them in emergency planning.
  

As the Storm Approaches:

• Fully charge cell phones, medical devices, and backup power supplies.
• Continue checking trusted weather forecasts and official alerts.
• Adjust travel and work plans ahead of time, avoiding unnecessary travel once conditions worsen.
• Ensure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts (weather radios, mobile alerts, local media).
• Check on family members, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance, especially older adults and those with medical needs.

During and After the Storm:

• Travel should be limited to essential trips only.
• Use emergency heat sources only if properly ventilated. Never operate grills, generators, or fuel-burning devices indoors or near open windows. Generators must be operated outside, at least 20 feet away from homes.
• Take frequent breaks when shoveling snow and avoid overexertion.
• Never approach downed power lines, and report outages to utility providers.
  

Utility Outage Contact Numbers:

Potomac Edison: 1-800-686-0011

AEP: 1-800-956-4237

Mon Power: 1-800-686-0022

For those needing access to a warming center or food bank, call 211 or your county local emergency management offices. For emergencies, call 911.