BY CASSIDY ROARK
Morgantown – A winter storm that began in the early hours on Monday brought hazardous conditions to Morgantown and surrounding areas of Monongalia County. The storm dumped inches of snow across the region, combined with sub-freezing temperatures and gusty winds, creating dangerous conditions on the roads and prompting widespread closures.
The storm began around midnight and continued throughout the day, with snow accumulation reaching 2 to 4 inches in the Morgantown area by late afternoon. Temperatures remained well below freezing, causing a mix of snow and ice that made travel difficult. By evening, as temperatures dipped even further, icy patches began to form on roads.
Meteorologist Bill Deger of AccuWeather noted that while the snow was steady throughout the day, additional accumulation was not expected. “This is very typical for this time of year,” Deger said. “We won’t see much more snow, just steady flurries until evening. The cold temperatures and gusty winds will continue to impact the area.” The forecast predicted an overnight low of 18 degrees with wind chills making it feel even colder, raising concerns about additional icy spots on the roads.
Snow removal crews working throughout the day to keep up with clearing the streets and applying salt to combat the ice. However, authorities urged residents to stay off the roads if possible, particularly in the evening when conditions were expected to worsen.
Reports from local law enforcement indicated five minor accidents, including three with injuries, and four vehicles stuck in snow. Emergency responders were busy assisting those in need, and authorities warned that travel remained dangerous throughout the day.
School and business closures
The snowstorm caused school closures across the region. Monongalia County Schools and Preston County Schools were both closed for the day. West Virginia University also canceled in-person classes, with campus operations suspended for the day.
Many outpatient clinics in the area were also closed, although some critical services remained open. Additionally, cancer infusion and radiation oncology services continued for patients with existing appointments at the WVU Cancer Institute and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital.
Patients whose appointments were canceled should contact their clinics directly to reschedule.
Looking ahead: Icy roads and continued winter weather
With the snowstorm now passing, the immediate concern shifs to the aftermath: icy roads. The combination of snow, salt, and continued cold temperatures mean travel could remain risky into Tuesday morning. Local road crews will be out in force, working to clear the roads and apply deicing agents, but icy spots would continue to present a danger for travelers, particularly on secondary roads.
Authorities advised residents to continue monitoring the weather and avoid unnecessary travel, especially after dark when temperatures dip further and ice is harder to spot. WVU Medicine also advised residents to check on the status of medical appointments, as many clinics would continue to operate with limited services in the coming days.
As temperatures remain below freezing, local officials cautioned that another round of snow may be possible later in the week, keeping road crews and emergency services busy.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay safe, dress warmly and prepare for continued cold and icy conditions in the coming days. For those who do need to travel, authorities recommended making sure vehicles are equipped for winter conditions, including snow tires, and keeping an emergency kit on hand.