ELKINS – Upshur, Barbour and parts of Randolph and Pocahontas counties are under a Winter Storm Warning from 10 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service states in the Warning alert that heavy snow is expected, with total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches, and higher amounts possible along the western ridges. Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are possible in the highest elevations.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the Warning states. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.”

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS advises.

An Extreme Cold Warning and High Wind Watch has also been issued by the NWS for southeast Randolph and northwest Pocahontas counties.

The High Wind Watch will fun from Friday evening through Saturday evening. The Extreme Cold Warning will fun from 1 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.

Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible, the NWS states, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 27 below expected.

“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the Watch states. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

“The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes,” the Warning reads.