MARLINTON, W.Va. — There’s already 10 inches of snow on the higher ridgetops of West Virginia’s eastern mountains with more on the way Friday into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
“Additional snowfall accumulations are expected today, around 3-5 inches,” Meteorologist Josh Peck told MetroNews Friday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster counties through 12 a.m. Saturday.
“The heaviest snowfall rates will probably occur late this afternoon into this evening and then they’ll become light and showery by late overnight tonight and continue as snow showers during the day on Saturday,” Peck said.
> Flooding will continue along the Ohio River into the weekend.
> Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for portions of the NE mountains through tonight. Additional accumulations of 4-5 inches are possible today and tonight. pic.twitter.com/7TMg0DEnaS
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) April 5, 2024
Peck said the mountains are used to April snowstorms this time of year.
“It’s not especially uncommon to have systems like this in April. You already have the Great Lakes starting to warm up a little bit, so it’s enhancing some of that moisture flux with some of that cold air coming down from the north,” he said.
Warmer temperatures arrive on Sunday. Peck said some of that snow will start to melt then.
“Areas that only saw an inch or two will probably see it melting off during the day with the relatively high sun angles for April,” he said.
Meanwhile, flooding remained a concern heading into the weekend as recent heavy rain around the area has resulted in minor to major flooding along local rivers, creeks and streams.
A Flood Warning is in effect along the Ohio River until late Sunday morning.