All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Higher elevations could see a foot of snow as the first winter storm of the season arrives in West Virginia this week

This week is West Virginia Winter Weather Awareness Week, and Mother Nature is set to provide a lesson.

After an unseasonably warm start to the week, a cold front is set to race across the region Wednesday night, bringing frigid temperatures, ice and snow.

“Snow, or a mix of rain and snow, should occur in and near the mountains Wednesday night through the weekend. Accumulations are possible,” according to the National Weather Service office in Charleston. “Winds are also expected to become strong Wednesday night into the weekend, with potential for gusts to exceed 40 mph in the higher terrain at times.”

The powerful winter weather system is poised to bring the first significant snowfall of the season to West Virginia’s highlands, with some mountain communities expected to see up to a foot of snow by Saturday morning.

The change begins Wednesday as a cold front sweeps through the Mountain State, causing temperatures to plummet during the afternoon hours. Strong wind gusts will make it feel like the 20s by Thursday morning.

In Upshur County, high temperatures through Sunday are expected to hover near 40 degrees, while the low should be around 30.

The highest snowfall totals are expected across the higher elevations of Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster counties, where areas above 3,000 feet could receive approximately 12 inches of snow over a 48-hour period starting Thursday. Lower elevations can expect a slushy coating, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces, and some secondary roads may become slick.

“Highest snowfall totals through Saturday morning are expected to be across the higher elevations of Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster counties, with around a foot of snow expected in those locations over the course of about 48 hours,” according to the NWS. “The lowlands can generally expect a slushy coating to perhaps an inch.”

The winter weather is expected to continue into Saturday before gradually winding down Sunday as drier air moves into the region. A warming trend will begin by late Sunday, with milder temperatures returning for the start of the workweek.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Helen Lea Reed

Helen Lea Reed, 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died January 10, 2026, in Elkins; a devoted mother, former switchboard operator and Troop Mother, she is survived by five children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Wayne Sanford Smith

Wayne Sanford Smith, 73, a retired MonPower lineman, ordained Baptist minister, renowned gunsmith and avid hunter, died January 10, 2026, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, four children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Goldilocks Pediatrics opens in Buckhannon, offers ‘just right’ care for every child

A new pediatrics office is now welcoming families in Buckhannon. Goldilocks Pediatrics officially opened this month, offering individualized care, well-child visits, sports physicals and sick appointments.

Glenn J. Yerkey

Glenn J. Yerkey, 93, a Korean War Army veteran and retired Goodyear master mechanic from the Brushy Fork community, died January 9, 2026, and will be cremated with a memorial and inurnment to be announced.

Patricia Koon Craven

Patricia Koon Craven, a retired nursing professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College and member of Buckhannon First Baptist Church, died January 7, 2026, after a long illness, survived by her son Jeffrey and other relatives.

Mary Francis Dagley

Mary Francis Dagley, 93, of Buckhannon, WV, a lifelong homemaker and Sand Run Baptist Church member who enjoyed travel, square-dancing and family, died January 9, 2026; she is survived by her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet January 13

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the center, 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. Founded in 1968, FETC offers career and adult training and encourages inquiries at (304) 472-1259.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: January 15, 2026

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board will hold a meeting on January 15, 2026; this notice lists the agenda items to be discussed.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall were named Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hughes posted top finishes at the MoHawk Invitational and Westfall averaged 25.7 points while powering a 3-0 Ram Hardwood Tournament run.