Tag: Winter Weather

West Virginia Officials Warn of Possible Extreme Cold

West Virginia officials are warning residents and motorists about possible extreme cold weather this week.

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said Gov. Jim Justice asked it and the National Guard to prepare for cold conditions expected through Thursday.

The agency warned about threats to humans, animals and property brought by extreme temperatures. It encouraged residents to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and not to leave portable heaters, wood-burning stoves or fireplaces turned on when away.

Daytime highs across much of the state will range from single digits to below zero, with overnight wind chill temperatures of 25 below zero or lower in portions of northeast West Virginia. Light snow is possible in much of the area.

The release said highway workers will be ready to treat major roads as needed.

Snow Forecast Prompts WVU to Cancel Spring Football Game

Another blast of winter is forecast for this weekend in West Virginia. West Virginia University has cancelled the annual Gold-Blue spring football game because of the impending storm.

The National Weather Service says southern and western sections of the state could get 4 inches or more of snow starting Friday night.

A winter storm watch has been posted for Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam and Wayne counties. Other areas of the state are expected to get lesser amounts.

The forecast has prompted West Virginia University to cancel its scheduled spring football game in Morgantown on Saturday.

WVU athletic director Shane Lyons said in a news release that the move was made to assure the safety of the players as well as fans who might be traveling to the game.

The game won’t be rescheduled. Tickets sold to fans in advance of the spring game will be automatically refunded by the Mountaineer Ticket Office if paid by credit card or check. Fans who paid cash should contact the Mountaineer Ticket Office to start their refund process.

Winter Storm Warning Issued in Parts of State

Warnings have been posted in much of West Virginia for up to a foot of snow from a late-season storm.

The National Weather Service says snow is expected to start Monday night and last in some places through early Wednesday. Power outages are possible due to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines.

The warning area includes parts of the Eastern Panhandle, the Potomac Highlands and parts of northern West Virginia. Other areas from Elkins south to the Greenbrier Valley were under a winter storm watch.

State Prepares for Snow, Cold Temps

Much of the state is under a Winter Weather Advisory Thursday as snow is expected to move into the region throughout the day. 

The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Friday, as parts of the state will see 2-4 inches of snow. 

The snow is expected to start this morning and last throughout the day Thursday. The heaviest snowfall is expected Thursday afternoon into the evening hours. 

The national weather service says untreated roads will become slick. 

Higher elevations could see as much as 5 inches. 

Temperatures are expected to be in the 20s. 

Check below for the latest official school closing information or see the entire list.

Tweets by WVSnowDay

The Latest on Winter Storm Jonas: Weather Advisories for W.Va. Expire

A foot or more of snow has fallen across parts of West Virginia, but winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service have all expired as a large winter storm moves out of the state. 

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency Friday as a result of winter weather which was still in effect Sunday.

Many parts of the state experienced high levels of snowfall. Glengary, West Virginia, in the Eastern Panhandle is reporting the highest total at around 40 inches while most of West Virginia received 8-24 inches.

You can follow along with the latest updates on road conditions and other aspects of the state’s response to the storm through this Facebook Page.

Road Conditions

As of Sunday morning, no accidents were being reported on the state’s highway system, but state transportation officials are still asking drivers to take caution as road crews work to catch up with the storm.

Department of Transportation spokesman Brent Walker said motorists are urged to avoid travel if at all possible. For the latest on road conditions, be sure to check wv511.org.

Government / University / Office Closings

  • West Virginia University- will reopen 6 a.m. Monday
  • West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
  • Marshall University (includes South Charleston campus)
  • West Virginia State University
  • Shepherd University
  • WVU Tech
  • Bridgevalley CTC
  • Mountwest CTC
  • West Virginia Junior College
  • Huntington Mall
  • Kanawha Valley Regional Transport (will not run Saturday) 
  • Crossroads Mall, Beckley
  • Tamarack

For county school closings, please visit the West Virginia Department of Education’s website.

Credit Jesse Wright / West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Power Outage Reports

Neither American Electric Power nor FirstEnergy were reporting any major power outages as of Sunday morning. 

Department of Homeland Security director Jimmy Gianato said Friday extra crews from both companies were moved into the area to prepare for outages and make necessary repairs.

Shelters & Warming Stations

In various parts of the state, shelters and warming stations are being established for those not able to make it inside and for those who lose power. Keep visiting this link for a downloadable spreadsheet with the latest information related to your county, city or town. 

For additional information on shelters and warming stations visit wv211.org.

Water Main Breaks

West Virginia American Water is reporting some water main breaks in Kanawha County.

Areas in Charleston are experiencing some issues. Due to heavy snowfall and difficulty traveling, some breaks are still being investigated. West Virginia American Water anticipates those water main breaks will be restored by late Saturday afternoon.

Watching the snow fall in West Virginia? Tweet us your photos and videos of winter weather and related conditions @wvpublic or @wvpublicnews! Be sure to include a time and location and we may use it online.

Flood Conditions Improve in Southern W.Va., Now What?

Flood waters that left residents stranded in their homes have receded in most places, according to emergency services in some southern West Virginia Counties. The flood warning issued by the National Weather Service  remains in effect until 6:45 p.m. Thursday for parts of West Virginia.

 

Emergency Services throughout the region say flooding or high water levels have improved, although the region is bracing for bitter cold temps.

In Fayette County dispatchers say at one time high waters stranded folks living in about 400 homes in Pax, Weirwood, and Horse Creek.  They say, for the most part roads, are opening back up.

Dispatchers in Raleigh County say residents in about 10 homes remain displaced from their homes in Violet Lane in Beaver after being evacuated Wednesday.

Dean Meadows, Director of Wyoming County, Emergency Services says folks in about 100 homes at Coon Branch are accessible with a four-wheel drive. Meadows says the water has receded but there is still a pile of mud and snow on the road.

Meadows says  emergency officials used a boat to rescue a pregnant woman in labor from that area on Wednesday.

Dispatchers throughout the region are now prepping for colder temps which could create even more challenges for the region.

The National Guard is assisting with monitoring the region. Meadows says the state of emergency declaration by the governor has reduced the possibility of major issues in the area.

On top of the flooding, several West Virginia Counties are under winter storm warnings until 7:00 p.m. tonight. Ice and snow has created dangerous driving conditions. Temperatures are expected to dip overnight putting emergency officials poised to open shelters for the thousands without power in West Virginia.

According to Appalachian Power’s website, 34, 957 AEP customers were without power as of 4:50 p.m. Thursday. There are almost 10, 000 customers in Cabell County without power.

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