Just Keep Smilin'

Upper level low pressure system situated off the mid Atlantic coast continues to strengthen and will reach peak intensity Friday. This system will wrap around and combine with an impeccable northwest flow from the Great Lakes region, providing ideal setup for prolonged snowfall in our mountain counties through the weekend. We can also expect wind speeds to increase overnight, especially in higher elevations as the low to our northeast gains strength. Wind advisories have been extended to include a larger portion of our state as wind speeds will spike above 50 mph on some ridge tops. Luckily, overnight lows through the weekend will hold out in the mid 20s, but winds Friday will make it feel much colder. Snowfall totals are difficult to pinpoint as daytime highs will rise well above freezing. Even so, folks in the lowlands of WV can expect waves of snowfall separated by dry spells, producing 1-3 inches for each 12 hour period with snow gradually ending late Saturday or early Sunday. Those of us bold enough to venture into the mountains will mark steady and persistent snowfall through Monday or even Tuesday. Higher elevations can expect upwards of 15 inches of snow accumulation. Lowlands will escape with 8-10 inches through Sunday. Count on seeing some sunshine in most places sometime on Sunday. Forecast remains dry for the lowlands of WV to start the 1st week of March.