BUCKHANNON — With the snowy remnants of the last storm still littering Upshur County roads, another blast of winter weather is expected to barrel through Thursday and Friday.
A winter storm will move into West Virginia overnight Thursday, dumping up to eight inches of snow on Buckhannon, according to the National Weather Service office in Charleston. The NWS issued a winter storm warning that is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday through 10 a.m. Saturday.
“Heavy snow expected,” the warning reads. “Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.”
Before the snow arrives, temperatures are expected to inch above freezing — briefly — on Thursday.
“Temperatures trend warmer than previous days but still a bit below average,” the NWS said in their forecast discussion Thursday. “After we part ways with the teens and single digits this morning, it will almost feel like a spring day with 30s and 40s across the lowlands expected this afternoon.”
But another arctic blast hits Friday, sending temperatures plummeting to a low of 11 degrees Friday night. The weekend will remain bitterly cold, with a high of 18 and low of 6 on Saturday, and a high of 24 and low of 7 on Sunday.
While Upshur County is forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, the higher elevations to the east could see even more.
“Higher snowfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches [are possible] across the northeastern mountains of West Virginia,” the NWS indicated.
The National Weather Service advises using caution while traveling this weekend.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS warns.
Students in Upshur County have not been in school all week, with Monday a holiday, Tuesday a snow day and Wednesday and Thursday non-traditional days, when students study remotely. Keep an eye on Friday’s closings as they are announced later Thursday.
After the weekend storm moves through, Monday will be warmer, finally breaking above freezing with a high of 41 degrees. From there, the highs will continue to climb into the upper-40s and low-50s through the middle of next week.
