There are several important things to note in the following NWS Winter Weather Messages, so please read through all of this email carefully---especially for those who live or work in Preston, Tucker and higher elevations of Monongalia County

First, for Preston and Tucker Counties this is no longer a Winter Weather Watch. It has become a Winter Weather Warning--meaning that the NWS is more certain that the storm will develop. In addition, the expected snow totals have been increased from six inches to six to 12 inches.

Also, more of Preston County is now included in the Winter Storm Warning including Rowlesburg and Kingwood.

Finally, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Preston County and higher elevations in Monongalia County such as Coopers Rock. 

The difference between a Winter Weather Watch and an Advisory is as follows:

A Watch indicates favorable conditions for a significant winter storm event, while an Advisory means you should be aware and prepared for travel difficulties.

Advisories are issued when general snow accumulations will be between 3 and 6 inches in 12 hours often with a wintery mix and blowing snow.

Warnings indicate that conditions pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible.

Details follow...

Jeff, WB1AAL

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URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1010 AM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...AN IMPACTFUL WINTER STORM LIKELY FOR HIGHER ELEVATIONS...

.A potent winter system will advance across the area Thursday afternoon through Saturday. Initial accumulations are likely Thursday, but the time with the highest snowfall rates will likely be during the daytime Friday for affected West Virginia Counties. Most snow accumulations will conclude by Friday night with the exception of eastern Tucker County where snow and light freezing drizzle may continue through Saturday.

For Higher Elevations of Preston-Eastern Preston-Western Tucker

Including the cities of Hazelton, Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, and Kingwood

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...In West Virginia, Eastern Preston, Preston, and Western Tucker Counties.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Please report snow or ice accumulations to the North Central West Virginia SKYWARN Net or by calling 412-262-1988.

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Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston
Including the cities of Coopers Rock and Armagh
1010 AM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches.

* WHERE...In West Virginia, Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston County.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Please report snow or ice accumulations to the North Central West Virginia SKYWARN Net or by calling 412-262-1988.