CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State officials said Friday they are thankful they’ve had a few days to prepare for the big winter storm that is expected to enter the state Saturday afternoon.
“The bottom line is we are all working together. We are very well-prepared and positioned for this event,” Dr. Matthew Blackwood, acting director of the state Emergency Management Division said. “We are continuing to have those conversations at all levels.”
A Winter Storm Warning begins in the state Saturday morning. Some areas could have double-digit snow amounts while others could have a mix of plowable snow followed by ice.
“Prepare in advance if you can, get ready,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Friday. “This is supposed to be a pretty problematic storm and I’ve talked to enough people to know that this is a situation that could hurt a lot of people if you’re not prepared.
Blackwood said no part of the state will be untouched.
“We are looking at this being a statewide incident. I think we’re mostly concerned about the heavy wet snow and ice but I think every corner of our state will feel it at some extent,” Blackwood said.
Gov. Morrisey Gives Updates on Preparations for Winter Storm https://t.co/BQeltuipYC
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) January 23, 2026
Forecast possibilities
NWS Meteorologist Jennifer Berryman said the advance of the warm wedge from the south is expected to get into the southern coalfields and may even advance as far north as the Kanawha Valley or possibly the eastern mountains.
Berryman said there will heavy snow before the warm air gets here Sunday.
“It does look like it’s still going to be a pretty significant amount of snow if it does decrease some if we trend a little warmer,” Berryman told MetroNews Friday morning.
She said highest confidence for an all-snow event is around the Parkersburg area back into Ohio.
Berryman said the icing could be significant in the south, thick enough to cause problems.
“We are looking at a quarter of an inch possible, maybe even three-tenths of an inch and that can do some damage,” she said. “That could start causing some damage to trees and power lines.”
Morrisey said he’s concerned about the mix.
“When you have that icy cocktail that can caused power outages and when the weather is real cold that can be an issue,” he said. “Make sure you have a plan and that you’re watching out for your neighbors too.”
The snow will begin Saturday afternoon.
Roads
State Division of Highways spokesman Brent Walker said the DOH has 1,000 plows ready to go. He said the crews have been able to pre-treat the Priority 1 routes.
“We’re putting everything together, all hands on deck so that people can stay home and have a safe, dry weekend,” Walker said. “We’re putting all of the work in so they can stay home and enjoy it.”
Walker said if you do have to drive please slow down. He also urged motorists to give enough room between themselves and the plows.
“Give our plows room to work. Those are big pieces of equipment. They are out there plowing and treating and not a good idea to think you are going to pass them.
Power utility preps
First Energy is preparing for the latest dose of winter weather, and they are passing on some helpful advice to help families prepare.
Spokesman Will Boye said they are bringing extra help into the region to prepare for the worst while they monitor the track of the storm.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the forecast with our in-house meteorologist tracking the potential for severe weather this weekend,” Boye said. “To stay ahead of the weather, we’ve increased our staffing, and we have crews ready 24/7 in case outages do occur.”
Appalachian Power spokesperson Ashley Workman said ice in the half-inch range can cause significant problems. She said the utility will have crews ready to respond.
“Each storm is different and brings its own unique challenges but we’re prepared and ready to hit the ground running for whatever the storm may bring,” Workman said.
Appalachian Power will bring in power crews from other states to help if needed.
“That’s great news for us because more boots on the ground ultimately means we are able to work faster and people are able to get the lights back on quicker,” Workman said.
Guard on standby
Gov. Morrisey says the West Virginia National Guard is ready to assist if needed.
“As the storm continues to get closer we may get more accurate information in terms to what the accumulation or mix looks like,” Morrisey said. “General Seward (WV Adjutant General Jim Seward) has indicated he’s ready and his team is ready.”
Help available
Blackwood said help for residents will be just a phone call away.
“If individuals need assistance, call West Virginia 211 or call their county’s non-emergency number is what we recommend. For life safety issues call 911,” Blackwood said.