CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Much of the snow from Friday’s winter storm was on the ground by early afternoon with a few more inches on the way through the evening hours.
A system moves in from the Great Lakes and will produce fluffy, powdery-type snow and colder temperatures into the overnight hours, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
Meteorologist John Peck told MetroNews temperatures will plummet Friday night into Saturday morning and then the snow flurries will taper off.
“Accumulating snow should be just about over by Saturday morning with a few flurries lingering, but additional accumulations are unlikely. The concern there shifts to much colder air building in,” Peck said.
Low temperatures in the Charleston area will be in the upper single digits or low teens.
Here's a look at the forecasted simulated radar through this evening. Steadier snow this morning will become more showery in nature this afternoon. Travel impacts will be felt all day long and into the evening, so stay home if you can and drive slow and carefully if you can't. pic.twitter.com/PzKMrwT3Ez
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) January 19, 2024
As of 12 p.m. Friday, around 4 inches of snow fell in Charleston with an additional 2 inches of snow on the way. The state’s higher elevations are in for around 8-12 inches total from the current system.
The winter storm comes just a few days after several inches of snow fell across the state.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 10 a.m. Saturday for more than 30 counties in West Virginia. Other parts of the state are under a Winter Weather Advisory.
Dangerous wind chills are likely again over the weekend, which will make it feel even colder outside. NWS said wind gusts could top around 45 miles per hour in some spots.
Here is an update for snow totals. These totals will be for 7am today to 7am Saturday. Most of the snow during this event will fall today. The warnings (valid until 10am Sat) and advisories (valid until 7am Sat) have not changed. Slicks spots will be expected during travel today. pic.twitter.com/VMuDVUKGd0
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) January 19, 2024
Peck said the state is in for a thaw-out early next week as waves of low pressure bring some rain at times and mild temperatures.
“Despite the lows Monday being in the single digits, Monday afternoon should be in the mid-40s and then we remain pretty warm for the balance of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the low-50s and will probably be in the upper-50s by Thursday,” he said.
Peck said it’s important to be mindful as the snow begins to melt next week.
“Just something to keep an eye on as we go into those much milder temperatures. We’ll have a potential for a warmer system moving through late next week and that could result in some water issues with water falling from the snowfall, especially coming off the mountains,” he said.
A State of Emergency remains in effect for all 55 counties due to the storm.