CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is expecting a “complex” weather system Tuesday into Wednesday mixed with rain, snow, freezing rain and high winds.
Appalachian Power reported more than 3,000 outages statewide just before 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Megan Kiebler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Charleston, said there could be even more outages because of those high wind gusts.
“While we could see some sustained gusts of up to 25-35 miles per hour and then gusts all the way up to 55-60 miles per hour, it’s quite the complex storm here,” she said on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
A strong system will bring precipitation across the area today. Heavy rain, combined with melting snow could lead to flooding along the mountains. Damaging wind gusts possible along and near the mountains today, diminishing tonight, though gusty winds persist through Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/7D2EkPry92
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) January 9, 2024
The Eastern Panhandle and mountains are seeing more snow and freezing rain. The lowlands are dealing with rain. Kiebler said the roads will be wet no matter where you are in the state.
“Regardless if you’re here in Charleston where we have slick travel because of the rain or along the mountains for the afternoon and evening hours, the snow and the freezing rain concerns, anywhere in the state today should really pose for some slick travel,” she said.
Gov. Jim Justice has issued a State of Preparedness for all 55 counties due to the storm.
The National Weather Service has a Winter Weather Advisory and Flood Watch in place for parts of the Eastern Panhandle through Tuesday afternoon.
Kiebler said flooding is possible as the rain continues into Wednesday.
“That is going to bring some challenges for the next several days as we watch a possible increase in our rivers especially along the Tygart and Greenbrier rivers. Even if those do not enter into flood, we will be watching for the possibility that nearby creeks and tributaries could face some flooding concerns,” she said.
There is a High Wind Warning in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday in parts of Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas, Randolph, Greenbrier, Preston and Tucker counties where wind gusts could top 60 miles per hour.
A Wind Advisory is also in effect for Kanawha, Mingo, Logan, Boone, Clay, Braxton, Lewis, McDowell, Wyoming, Upshur and Barbour counties.
The state Emergency Management Division said it will be on standby to respond to possible emergencies.