CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) and the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) continue to monitor the weather throughout the Mountain State and are in preparation for potential widespread winter weather threats this weekend due to Winter Storm Harper.
The two entities are continuously monitoring weather and hydrology reports while working hand-in-hand with agencies at the State level for planning and communication purposes. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been in contact with county emergency managers who may be impacted by the storm and is prepared to respond accordingly for the citizens of West Virginia for the duration of this weather event.
The West Virginia State Police has enacted a commercial diversion for I-70 and I-470 through Ohio County in coordination with a commercial traffic ban put into effect by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation from noon today until noon Sunday.
Winter Storm Harper is expected to bring heavy rains, ice, and potentially heavy snowfall to various regions of West Virginia on Saturday and Sunday. There is a significant chance for icing in the eastern panhandle that may lead to hazardous travel conditions and power outages. At this time, two shelter locations have been identified in Berkeley County and the Jefferson County emergency operations center is operating under partial activation.
The entire state is currently under various Winter Weather and Flooding Advisories, Watches, and Warnings. We urge individuals to monitor their weather situation via local television, radio, and news outlets, the National Weather Service and also by following WVDHSEM on social media for the most up-to-date information.