By Amelia A. Pridemore
Southern West Virginians could spend this weekend buried in about a foot of snow, and meteorologists are urging residents to run all errands and get ready — now.
The National Weather Service in Charleston issued a winter storm warning for Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas and Wyoming counties. The watch will run through 6 a.m. Sunday.
The Beckley area could see a foot of snow by Sunday morning, said Nick Webb, a meteorologist for the Charleston NWS.
The Blacksburg, Va., NWS office issued a winter storm warning for Summers, Greenbrier and Monroe counties until 7 a.m. Sunday. Storm totals are predicted between 8 and 10 inches.
A “major, well organized” winter storm will impact much of West Virginia beginning tonight and continuing through Saturday night, according to the Charleston NWS advisory. The low-pressure system originating in the Gulf of Mexico will begin as rain or a rain/snow mix late today, but cooling just before the storm arrives will quickly change it to snow.
Webb said the heaviest snowfall will probably strike between late tonight and Saturday morning. The predicted storm totals could easily change. If the storm’s worst section hits an area farther east, accumulations could be lighter.
But if the storm’s track is farther west, the storm could be more severe — dumping “well over a foot,” Webb said.
Webb noted the individual snowflakes will be heavier. Together, they have more potential to down trees and knock out power. Therefore, he advised having all necessary supplies and any errands run before this afternoon.
Unlike last week, though, winds will not be a significant problem. Webb said wind speeds will probably only reach 20 mph.
Meanwhile, local authorities were preparing for Mother Nature’s wrath.
“We’re ready,” said Robert Robinson, chairman of the Beckley Board of Public Works. “We have plenty of salt, plows ... We’re ready to go if it comes.”
Beckley police Lt. Cheri Mullens said her department’s services will not be interrupted.
“Stay home,” she advised. “You don’t want to be out in this. Go ahead and stock up on whatever you will need, now.”
If people must absolutely venture onto the roadways, she said, they should stay on main roads as much as possible.
“The side streets and secondary roads are going to be covered,” she said. “Don’t take shortcuts.
“Just use common sense and the best judgment you have.”
Another storm system could bring more snow Sunday night and Monday morning, Webb noted. High temperatures through next week should be in the mid- to upper 20s, and low temperatures could be in the upper teens.
— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com
