CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA — December 2, 2025

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE reported early Tuesday that a fast-moving winter system brought snowfall, freezing temperatures, and patchy ice across large portions of West Virginia, creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the morning hours. The system, which moved in from the Midwest overnight, produced light-to-moderate snow bands and rapid surface freezing in higher elevations and northern counties.

According to THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, crews were deployed before dawn to begin treating major routes; however, rapidly dropping temperatures caused areas of refreeze and black ice, particularly on untreated secondary roads and bridge surfaces. Transportation officials stated that motorists should expect slick conditions until temperatures rise above freezing later in the day.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE noted that early-season winter events often produce higher crash totals due to a combination of factors: reduced tire traction on thin ice layers, increased braking distance on cold pavement, limited vehicle control on grades and curves, and driver inexperience with the season’s first winter storm. Forecasters warned that even minor accumulations can significantly increase accident risk when combined with sudden temperature drops.

Local emergency dispatch centers reported a high volume of accident-related calls across northern and central West Virginia throughout the morning. While official statewide totals have not been released, multiple counties activated additional EMS units to respond to increased roadway incidents.

WDTV, a regional news outlet, publicly reported that “more than 20 accidents” occurred across North Central West Virginia during the early morning hours. This number has not yet been confirmed by THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE WEST VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION, or county-level dispatch authorities. Appalachian Press has requested additional information and will update this report should official totals be released.

State transportation officials continue to advise residents to limit travel until crews complete treatment operations and road temperatures stabilize. As of midday Tuesday, no statewide emergency declarations have been issued; however, several counties remain under winter weather advisories from THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

This report includes only first-hand confirmed statements from federal and state weather and transportation authorities, with secondary media claims clearly attributed and not presented as established fact. No projections, speculation, or unverified information is included.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. (2025). Early-morning winter weather advisory and hazard statements for West Virginia.
WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. (2025). Public communications on roadway treatment and hazardous conditions.
WEST VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION. (2025). Morning situation updates to county agencies.

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources
WDTV. (2025, December 2). Public reporting of estimated number of roadway accidents in North Central West Virginia.