Snow fell steadily upon Bridgeport and surrounding areas much of the day with activity picking up late-afternoon into evening hours. Four inches of new snow, combined with other weather conditions made for challenging - and in some places - hazardous travel conditions. Harrison County Schools made an early decision to close schools for Wednesday. Calls went out at about 8:20 p.m. advising parents and staff.

 

Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz said road conditions continue to be icy.

 

“And with temperatures dropping, what has melted is just going to refreeze,” she said.

 

As of about 10 p.m., temperatures were in the higher teens, expected to drop to around 11 degrees by 3 a.m. Light snow showers are expected to continue overnight. 

 

There have been several accidents this evening due to roadway conditions, but no major injuries reported. In addition to wrecks, there have been other weather-related road incidents.

 

“Our major one was Main Street (U.S. Route 50) closed earlier over by Crystal Ridge and North Central West Virginia Airport,” Pysz said. “Several vehicles, including a tractor trailer, were stuck on the hill because of the ice.”

 

The roadway was closed for about one and a half hours until Bridgeport Public Works could thaw the ice, said Bridgeport Police Officer Rebecca Schuessler.

 

According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, driving conditions are “Fair” on I-79 through Harrison County. Conditions are listed with light snow, wet pavement, snow on roadways and icy patches.

 

U.S. Route 50 – from Doddridge County to the Taylor County line area also listed in “Fair” condition, with light snow, wet pavement, snow on roadway and icy patches.

 

To summarize, Schuessler said roadways are slick. She urges motorists to use extreme caution.

 

“Make plans to leave at least 15 to 20 minutes before you typically do and if you don’t have to go out, stay in and let Public Works do what they need to do to clean the roadways,” she said. “

 

Law enforcement asks residents to please not shovel their snow into roadways, but rather into their yards. 

 

Visit West Virginia Department of Transportation and stay up to date with road conditions HERE.

 

Stay up to date with weather by visiting WDTV and the National Weather Service, Charleston.