Winter Weather — Ridges of E Monongalia and Nw Preston, West Virginia

2021-02-01 to 2021-02-02 · Ridges of E Monongalia and Nw Preston, West Virginia

Event narrative

Highest snowfall total between Jan 31st and Feb 2nd was 12.0 inches 4 miles east of Cheat Lake, WV.

Wider weather episode

During the morning of January 31st, weakening low pressure moved northward into the lower Ohio Valley. Frontogenetic forcing allowed for some higher snow rates during the morning and early afternoon hours, particularly in the higher elevations. Snow rates became lighter in the afternoon as support for lift weakened and lifted northward, and as energy began to transfer to a coastal low. Accumulations through midnight were generally limited to four inches or less.

This event continued into early February, when strengthening northwest flow increased cold advection and allowed additional accumulating snow showers to develop.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 943905. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.