Charleston, WV (WOAY) Snow that fell late Saturday night quickly changed over to rain and sleet on Sunday, meaning this winter storm is far from over.
Snow was the first round.
But the bigger concern now is ice, and that’s a game changer when it comes to treating roadways.
According to the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), ice creates unique challenges.
State highway engineer Jake Bumgarner says crews use many of the same tools as they do for snow, but ice builds up faster and is much harder to see.
Roads can look wet and clear, but still be dangerously slick.
At 30 degrees, one pound of salt can melt about 46 pounds of ice in just five minutes.
But as temperatures drop, salt loses its effectiveness.
At 15 degrees, that same pound of salt melts just six pounds of ice and can take up to an hour to work.
With temperatures expected to fall sharply tonight, officials are especially concerned about refreezing.
The division of highways warns that travel conditions late Sunday night and into Monday morning could be hazardous.
Drivers are urged to avoid travel if possible or use extreme caution if they must be on the roads.
Officials say the safest option is to stay put and let the storm pass.
