Drivers across parts of West Virginia are being urged to brace for slick, snow-covered roads and rapidly changing conditions into tonight, as a winter weather advisory warns of accumulating snow that could disrupt travel through the overnight and early-morning hours on Thursday, January 1.

Forecasters say the system may not deliver blockbuster totals statewide, but its timing, cold air and bursts of heavier snow will be enough to create dangerous travel, particularly on untreated secondary roads, hills and bridges.

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Advisories Target Southern and Central West Virginia

The National Weather Service office in Charleston has a winter weather advisory in effect for several counties in southern and central West Virginia, including Lincoln, Logan and Putnam, where forecasters expect 1 to 3 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.

The advisory window stretches into Thursday morning, catching both the late-evening drive and the early commute period.

Nearby, portions of central and northern West Virginia remain under winter storm warnings related to the broader New Year’s storm system, where higher elevations could see significantly more snow and stronger wind gusts.

While the advisory area will likely receive lower totals, the National Weather Service stresses that even a couple of inches of snow falling on cold pavement can be enough to send crash numbers sharply higher.

Forecasters highlight that snow in the advisory area will be of the light, powdery variety, given temperatures stuck in the 20s.

That type of snow can quickly accumulate on roads and be blown around by passing vehicles, reducing visibility and hiding icy patches beneath a seemingly thin coating.

Timing: Evening Snow Bursts and an Icy Early Commute

Snow began developing late this afternoon along and behind a passing cold front, with light snow showers expected to intensify into more organized bands through the evening and overnight.

Weather models indicate that the steadiest snow will likely fall during the late-night and pre-dawn hours, a period when road crews are at work but fewer drivers are on the road.

Even so, transportation officials warn that timing is a key concern because colder overnight temperatures will allow snow to bond quickly to untreated surfaces.

That means many side streets and rural roads could remain slick into early Thursday, especially before sunrise. The advisory explicitly notes that hazardous conditions could impact both the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.

Motorists heading out early on January 1 are urged to allow extra time, slow down and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.

Intervals of steadier snow could briefly reduce visibility to less than a half-mile, particularly along higher terrain and open stretches of highway, making passing maneuvers treacherous.

Road Crews Mobilize as State Urges Caution

State and county road crews across West Virginia began staging salt trucks and plows earlier in the day, treating major routes and interstates ahead of the advancing snow.

Transportation officials say their priority overnight will be to keep primary corridors like interstates and major U.S. routes passable, then move into neighborhoods and back roads as conditions allow.

Despite that preparation, authorities emphasize that no road treatment can fully eliminate the hazard when temperatures fall into the 20s and traffic packs down fresh snow.

Bridges, overpasses and ramps tend to freeze first, and shaded stretches of road can stay icy long after plows pass through. Drivers are advised not to mistake visible wheel tracks for bare pavement, as thin sheets of black ice can often form in those same ruts.

Law enforcement agencies in recent storms have reported spikes in slide-offs and fender-benders whenever the first burst of snow hits, often within an hour or two of the advisory start time.

Officials are asking residents not to be lulled by earlier mild days or wet roads, noting that surface conditions can deteriorate in less than 30 minutes once snow begins sticking.

Recent Storms Underscore Winter Hazards Across the Region

This advisory comes on the heels of an active early-winter pattern across the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic, where multiple systems since early December have produced accumulating snow and bitter cold.

In several recent events, neighboring Virginia and western Pennsylvania have seen dozens of crashes on slick interstates and rural roads, along with pockets of power outages where wet snow and wind combined.

In West Virginia, earlier December storms brought moderate snow to higher terrain and a mix of light snow and ice to lower elevations, leaving some communities with very poor road conditions for a day or more.

Local television stations reported long stretches of snow-covered pavement across north-central counties, and extreme cold in the mountains compounded the risks for drivers and anyone stranded along the roadside.

These back-to-back systems have kept road crews busy and highlighted a familiar winter challenge in the region: small differences in elevation and track can dramatically change what motorists encounter from one county to the next.

That variability is again evident with the current advisory, which covers lower-snow areas in the south while heavier totals pile up to the north and east under the winter storm warnings.

Travel Disruptions Likely Tonight Despite Modest Snow Totals

Although forecast snow amounts in the advisory zone are generally in the 1 to 3 inch range, transportation and safety officials are treating the event as a potentially significant travel disruption due to its timing and the cold, pre-treated surfaces.

Light to moderate snow during the evening and overnight could lead to patchy snowpack and compacted ice on hills, curves and secondary routes that see less plow coverage.

Travelers using corridor routes that intersect the advisory area should be ready for changing conditions over relatively short distances. A stretch of wet pavement can quickly give way to snow-covered lanes or slushy shoulders that grab tires and reduce control.

Even experienced winter drivers are being urged to reduce speed well below the posted limit and maintain larger following distances.

Those with early Thursday flights out of regional airports or plans to travel to neighboring states before daybreak may want to build in even more time for icy bridges, slower moving trucks and potential incidents on the roadway.

Officials stress that conditions will vary heavily depending on elevation, route orientation and whether snow bands persist over particular areas longer than expected.

How Residents Can Prepare Before Heading Out

Emergency managers and city leaders across West Virginia recommend that residents take a few simple steps before the bulk of tonight’s snow arrives.

Motorists are encouraged to top off fuel, clear existing snow and ice from their vehicles and move cars off narrow streets where possible so plows have room to operate.

Keeping sidewalks and driveways as clear as possible will also reduce the risk of falls in the morning.

Inside vehicles, authorities suggest having a small winter kit that includes a flashlight, blanket, phone charger, ice scraper, and some snacks or water.

While most trips will be routine, even minor crashes or disabled vehicles can result in longer waits for assistance during a broader weather event.

Having extra layers and basic supplies can make a big difference if a driver ends up stuck on an off-ramp or side road.

Residents who do not need to be on the roads late tonight or very early Thursday are being urged to stay home and allow plow operators and emergency responders to do their work.

Officials say reducing nonessential travel for just a few hours can significantly cut down on crash calls and enable crews to clear main routes more quickly and efficiently.

What to Expect After the Advisory Expires

As the system moves east and the advisory period draws to a close Thursday morning, snow showers are expected to taper off to flurries from west to east.

However, cold air will linger, keeping temperatures near or below freezing for much of the day in many locations. That means any slush or wet patches left on roads early in the morning could refreeze as the day progresses, especially in shaded areas and higher terrain.

Forecasters say some melting is possible on treated main roads during the daylight hours where temperatures briefly climb above freezing, but they caution that rapid improvement should not be assumed.

Gusty winds could continue to blow light snow back across exposed stretches of highway, creating new slick spots even after plows have passed.

Looking ahead, long-range outlooks show additional opportunities for wintry weather in the region through early January, although specific storm tracks and intensities remain uncertain.

With that in mind, officials hope that residents will treat tonight’s advisory as a reminder that the heart of winter has just arrived, and that travel habits may need to adjust for several weeks to come.

FAQ

Q1: Which parts of West Virginia are under the winter weather advisory?
Current advisories from the National Weather Service focus on southern and central counties including Lincoln, Logan and Putnam, where 1 to 3 inches of snow are expected, with higher totals possible nearby under separate winter storm warnings.

Q2: How much snow is expected, and is it enough to cause serious problems?
Forecast totals in the advisory area are generally between 1 and 3 inches. While that may sound modest, the combination of cold pavement, overnight timing and periods of steadier snow is enough to create slick, hazardous roads and elevated crash risks.

Q3: When will road conditions be the worst?
Conditions are expected to deteriorate this evening as snow bands intensify, with the most hazardous travel likely late tonight through early Thursday morning, coinciding with the pre-dawn and morning commute hours.

Q4: Will major highways be safer than back roads?
Primary highways and interstates will receive the most attention from plow and salt crews and are usually cleared first, but they can still be slick, especially on ramps, bridges and overpasses. Secondary roads, hills and rural routes are more likely to remain snow covered longer.

Q5: Should I postpone my travel plans tonight?
If your trip is not essential, officials recommend postponing overnight or early-morning travel until after crews have had more time to treat and clear roads. If you must travel, slow down, allow extra time and be prepared for changing conditions from one county to the next.

Q6: What are the main driving safety tips during this advisory?
Authorities advise reducing speed well below the limit, increasing following distance, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns, and giving plow trucks plenty of space. Clearing all windows and lights of snow and ice before driving is also critical for visibility.

Q7: Will schools or offices be closed because of the snow?
Any decisions on closures or delays are made by individual school districts and employers. Residents should monitor local media, school notification systems and workplace communications for updates early Thursday morning.

Q8: How long will the snow and advisory last?
The advisory for southern and central West Virginia counties extends into Thursday morning, with accumulating snow expected mostly overnight. Light snow or flurries may linger after the advisory expires, but the main impacts on travel should ease later in the morning.

Q9: Could power outages occur with this system?
In the advisory area, snow is expected to be relatively light and powdery, which is less likely to weigh down trees and power lines. However, stronger winds and heavier snow in nearby warning areas could lead to isolated outages, so residents should keep devices charged and have flashlights handy.

Q10: What should I keep in my car during this kind of winter event?
Safety officials recommend carrying an ice scraper, blanket or extra clothing, a flashlight, phone charger, basic first-aid items, and some water and snacks. Even minor roadway incidents can cause extended delays during winter storms, so a small kit can make travel interruptions safer and more comfortable.