CHARLESTON – A winter storm warning is in effect for Randolph, Barbour, Upshur, Tucker and Pocahontas counties beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing until early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

On Friday, the National Weather Service declared a winter storm warning for Randolph, Barbour, Upshur, Tucker and Pocahontas. 

Starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday and continuing until 2 a.m. on Monday, the five counties are expected to receive heavy snow with accumulations of between six to 10 inches. Wind gusts could reach as high as 45 mph, officials said. Area residents should expect difficult travel and downed tree branches.

Tucker County is expected to receive total snow accumulations between five to eight inches of snow starting at 1 p.m. Saturday and continuing until 1 p.m. Sunday. Area residents should expect roads, especially bridges and overpasses, to be slick and hazardous, the National Weather Service said. Higher amounts of snow could occur in localized areas as snow bands.

The National Weather Service urges residents to stay indoors “until conditions improve.”

“If you must go outside, dress in layers,” the statement from the National Weather Service said. “Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.”

It is recommended that, if area residents must travel, they should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 511.

“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the National Weather Service said in its statement. “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.”

Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx, as well as on the National Weather Service’s X and Facebook pages.