Winter Storm Hits West Virginia: Snow, Ice, and Power Outages Impact Thousands

A winter storm blanketed West Virginia with snow and ice from Sunday evening to Monday, affecting thousands of residents and disrupting normal life. The storm, which continued into Monday afternoon, brought a mix of snow, freezing rain, ice, and sleet, with Southern and Central West Virginia receiving 3-7 inches of snow and the northern areas seeing 7-11 inches. Power outages peaked at 100,500 customers affected, with more than 82,000 still without power by 3 p.m. Monday. Efforts were underway to restore electricity, with a goal of 90% restoration by Thursday, Jan. 9.

Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in all 55 counties, enabling transportation workers to prepare for the storm and manage road conditions. Despite pre-treatment efforts, travel remained hazardous, and residents were urged to stay home when possible. Several services were suspended, including school districts, postal services, and state legislative meetings.

West Virginia International Yeager Airport faced flight delays and cancellations, though crews worked continuously to clear runways. The cold temperatures were expected to persist throughout the week, with wind chills exacerbating the cold. The National Weather Service warned of single-digit or subzero temperatures and potential frostbite, urging residents to take precautions.

The Department of Health recommended safety measures for those without power, including staying in one or two rooms to conserve heat, using blankets, and avoiding indoor use of gas stoves or generators due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Vulnerable populations, especially those without power, were advised to receive assistance from neighbors or local warming centers.