MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — It’s going to take a few days for West Virginia to crunch its way out of what the weekend winter storm left behind.
The warm wedge reduced overall snowfall totals but it’s the ice the sleet left behind and the frigid temperatures settling in that will continue the storm’s impact into the work week.
The state is already under a federal disaster declaration. All 55 counties remain under a state of emergency.
15 inches of precipitation were recorded at Shepherd Field/The Eastern Regional Airport in the 24 hour period encompassing the storm.
With temperatures well below freezing for the rest of the week, any precipitation that fell will not be leaving any time soon. As a result, if the pavement looks wet, treat it as if it is black ice.
The state Division of Highways urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel on the state’s highways.
“Motorists, avoid unnecessary travel as conditions deteriorate overnight and into the morning hours,” said Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh. “Our crews have been out around the clock plowing and treating roads, and they will continue working through the night. But when temperatures drop as quickly as expected, road conditions can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. The safest decision is to stay off the roads.”
The WVDOH has approximately 1,000 snowplows available statewide. In addition, the WVDOH operates snow blowers and road graders for SRIC in higher elevations. Drivers conduct dry runs prior to snow removal and ice control (SRIC) season to become completely familiar with their routes.
The WVDOH began the season with 186,116.87 tons of salt and 145,949.31 gallons of salt brine.
The storm’s impact is forcing many cancellations Monday including some government offices and private businesses.
Among those in the Eastern Panhandle, Berkeley County Meals on Wheels, EPTA transit operations, and Berkeley Senior Services.
All 55 county school districts will be closed Monday, 14 counties have opted for non-traditional days.
The legislature still has floor sessions scheduled for Monday with the House going in at 1:30 p.m. and the Senate at 2 p.m.
MetroNews reporter Jeff Jenkins contributed to this story.
