Here comes the snow! Some milder travel is expected on Friday

Winter Weather Advisory Friday morning through Saturday morning: Summers, Western Greenbrier, Western Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas, Fayette, Raleigh, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell and Tazewell counties.

There is more rain activity tonight. We are not expecting any strong storms or severe weather tonight. Temperatures will begin to drop quickly after dark behind a cold front that passed earlier in the afternoon, with the region dropping into the 30s by sunrise. As we begin to move up, we will see a transition to snowflakes. No heavy accumulation is expected at sunrise but a couple of slick spots cannot be ruled out.

Friday morning shows temperatures in the 30s and they won’t rise for the rest of the day. The snow will continue throughout the day at times, with some visibility issues at times. Heaviest snow accumulations occur along ridgelines.

Forecast totals expected Friday morning through Saturday morning are:

• Trace to 1″: Welch, Bradshaw, Richlands, Sophia, Pineville, Oceana, Brendan, Drennan, Birch River, Cowley Bridge, Onstead, Box
• 1″ to 3″: Beckley, Pocahontas, Shady Spring, Bluefield, Princeton, Plant, Clifftop, Summersville, Lewisburg, Minnehaha Springs, Marlinton, White Sulfur Springs
• 3″ to 4″: Richwood, Fenwick, Craigsville, Rupert, Rainelle
• 4″ to 5″: snowshoe, slatyfork, gas, turbin

Saturday will see some lingering snow with most activity for ridgelines through Pocahontas and Greenbrier County. Another inch of snow is expected over much of the terrain Saturday afternoon. As temperatures cool, icy roads will be the highlight of the day until crews can treat them. Secondary roads are always last, so be careful. Highs struggle to get out of their 20s, feeling the cool chill of teenage years.

Sunshine returns on Sunday, which should help take control with high pressure from the mid-teens into the mid-40s in the afternoon.

High pressure will remain under control on Monday. Warmer day once again with lows in the 50’s – enjoy tomorrow as the monsoons return. Clouds will increase as our next storm system approaches from the west.

Tuesday looks wet again, with showers possible as another front passes through the two Virginias. This front may not be as strong, but there is a high chance of rain returning.

Wednesday is drier than Tuesday but there is an isolated shower. Moderate with highs in the 50s.

Thursday looks wet, especially as another powerful cold front pushes through this time in the morning. The 50s rise once again.

In your extended forecast, the rollercoaster ride continues as temperatures change wildly. 30’s to 50’s and back will be the theme for January. So far, a dreary look to win mid-month snow and an overall milder form as we head into this weekend. Other than light snow this Friday there are no signs of a major return from Old Man Winter.

Tonight
Rain continues, changing to snow towards dawn. Down to 30.
Friday
Snow showers, sometimes gales. Highs in the mid-30s.
Saturday
Snow showers in the morning, clearing late. Maximum above 20 years.
Sunday
A little more sun, a little more heat. Highs in the low 40s.
Monday
Mostly sunny skies. A maximum near 50.
tuesday
Mostly cloudy with chance of rain. Highs in the mid-50s.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy but dry. Highs in the 50s.
Thursday
Rain is possible. Highs in the 50s.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with isolated rain. Highs in the 40s.
Saturday
Partly sunny – dry! Highs in the 40s.
Sunday
A mixture of rain and snow. High near 40.