Schools closed as heavy snow, powerful winds roll into W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Multiple schools in West Virginia closed Thursday as heavy snow and strong winds pound parts of the state.

The state education department is reporting that nearly 20 counties have closed schools, with most citing weather conditions and icy roads.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster counties, predicting up to 8 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 45 miles per hour. Wind chills could dip to 10 degrees below zero in those counties, according to the warning.

Elsewhere throughout the state, the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories warning of heavy snow in high elevations as well as poor road conditions. Strong winds could also down tree branches and cause power outages.