As of Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service had issued a Winter Storm Watch starting this afternoon and extending through Saturday evening.
This watch is for western Pendleton County, as well as western Grant and western Mineral in West Virginia, western Highland in Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland.
Heavy snow is possible with accumulations expected to range between 6 and 12 inches of snow with possibly higher accumulations on ridgetops.
Winds could gust up to 50 miles per hour. Visibility may drop to 1/4 mile due to both falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions may also occur.
Strong winds and the weight of possibly wet snow could break tree limbs and cause power outages.
According to the United States Forest Service, “Monongahela National Forest roads are not snow plowed or treated for winter travel.” Please avoid these areas during snow storms. It is very difficult and dangerous for emergency service personnel to rescue those trapped in such areas during heavy snow events
The National Weather Service urges that those in the listed areas monitor the latest forecasts for updates at weather.gov/lwx/weather. NWS also states that “persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
The Pendleton County West Virginia Office of Emergency Management/911 Facebook page is also a good resource for news about inclement weather and its effects in the area.