West Virginia

What Virginia and West Virginia can expect this winter from the almanac

Published

6 days ago

November 28, 2025

What Virginia and West Virginia can expect this winter from the almanac

(WVVA) – Winter 2025–2026 looks to be mostly mild across Virginia and West Virginia, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac extended forecast, but residents in higher elevations should be ready for colder snaps and heavier snow at times. The almanac’s long-range outlook says overall temperatures will be near or slightly above normal for much of the country, while the Appalachians and parts of the Ohio Valley are expected to trend colder than average.

The big picture The Old Farmer’s Almanac points to a winter that’s “mostly mild—with pockets of wild.” That means most lowland and coastal communities in Virginia can expect milder, drier conditions with fewer snow days than usual. Meanwhile, the southern and higher-elevation Appalachian counties are likely to see colder conditions and a split snow pattern: lighter snow in the northern highlands and heavier amounts in the southern mountains.

West Virginia’s forecast varies by geography. Lower, western valleys should experience a chillier but manageable winter, while eastern and higher parts of the state may see more frequent snow events. The almanac places much of the Mountain State in a zone where snowy spells are more likely at key times through the season.

Timing to watch

Forecasters single out several windows for colder weather and potential storms: mid to late December, parts of January, and early February. For Virginia’s Atlantic corridor, the snowiest stretches are expected around the holidays, early January and again in late February. In the Appalachians, the almanac notes heavier snowfall chances in late December, late January and early February, especially at elevation.

What’s driving the forecast

The almanac cites several large-scale factors shaping the season, including a recent peak in solar activity, the Pacific moving from La Niña toward neutral conditions, and steady ocean oscillations that can influence storm tracks. Those shifts can push Arctic air south at times, producing brief but intense cold snaps that contrast with otherwise mild conditions.

Practical advice for residents

Even a mostly mild winter can produce disruptive weather. Officials and weather experts recommend simple steps to prepare:

Check local forecasts often and be alert to changing conditions
Keep rock salt and shovels handy and clear yards and driveways promptly after heavy snow
Insulate pipes and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing
If you must travel, carry an emergency kit with water, snacks, warm clothing and a phone charger
For vulnerable properties, arrange for someone to check on heating systems and utilities

Why this matters

Milder winters can reduce the number of harsh cold days while increasing the risk of freeze-thaw cycles that affect roads, crops and infrastructure. In the mountains, heavier snow at higher elevations can mean travel disruptions and power outages. For gardeners and homeowners, a warmer winter may also affect pest cycles and spring planting times.

This outlook is based on the Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–2026 winter forecast. For full regional details, visit the Old Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast page here.

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West Virginia

6-year-old autistic child allegedly grabbed around throat aggressively by teacher at West Virginia school, 3 staff members facing charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Press Room

6-year-old autistic child allegedly grabbed around throat aggressively by teacher at West Virginia school, 3 staff members facing charges

MARSHALL COUNTY, W. Va. (WTRF) – Charges have been filed by law enforcement against three Marshall County educators involving alleged abuse of an autistic child.

The West Virginia State Police began an investigation into this alleged neglect back in October after a complaint was made about a child being abused by a teacher.

Now, some of these school employees are facing felony charges.

The investigation started on Oct. 8 when state police were made aware of an incident involving potential child abuse at McNinch Elementary School that had occurred on Sept. 18.

According to the complaint, a special needs teacher, Kiersten Nicole Moses, grabbed a 6-year-old autistic child by the neck and used both hands to squeeze the student.

The report says the child is non-verbal.

As the investigation continued, Sergeant S.M Durrah learned the alleged abuse was witnessed by an aid, who reported the incident to the school principal, Jane Ann Duffy.

The court filing says Duffy advised that the student needed to be seen by the school nurse, and she later reported the incident to Erin Michelle Cuffaro, the Marshall County Special Programs Director.

The incident was recorded and later viewed by both Duffy and Cuffaro.

The court filing claims the video shows Moses physically grabbing the child’s neck for several seconds; therefore, meeting the requirements for a report to be made through the Child Abuse Hotline.

Per state law, mandated reporters are required to contact the Department of Human Services within 24 hours when they suspect abuse or neglect.

According to the investigating officer, no report was made to the department by school personnel until Oct. 5.

Now, several criminal complaints have been filed against these three educators in the Marshall County Magistrate Court.

The teacher accused of grabbing the child, Moses, faces four felony charges including two counts of battery and assault of a disabled child, strangulation and child abuse resulting in injury.

Duffy, the principal of McNinch Elementary, is charged with one misdemeanor count of failure to report the suspected child abuse.

The county’s special programs director, Cuffaro, also faces several charges including eight felony counts of child neglect resulting in injury, and multiple misdemeanors including failure to report, interference with officers and obstruction.

Investigators say Cuffaro put eight children at risk by not removing Moses from the classroom and failed to report the abuse on at least two occasions.

One of those misdemeanor charges involves text messages between Duffy and Cuffaro describing the incident that had allegedly been deleted by Cuffaro.

7News reached out to Marshall County School officials and were provided a statement by Superintendent Dr. Shelby Haines.

She says, “Our top priority is educating children. We have been and will continue to collaborate with law enforcement, the WV Department of Education, and legal counsel.”

All three educators have been arraigned and posted bond.

Stay tuned to 7News for developments.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Officially Snags Playmaking Linebacker Miles Khatri

Published

21 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Press Room

West Virginia Officially Snags Playmaking Linebacker Miles Khatri

The state of Florida has treated West Virginia well over the years, and certainly in this recruiting class. The latest signee making his way up from Florida is linebacker Miles Khatri.

LB Miles Khatri’s Recruiting Profile

Follow him on X: @MilesKhatri

Height: 6’0″ Weight: 212

Hometown: Pike Road, AL

High School: Pike Road

Other offers: Air Force, Arkansas State, Army, Charlotte, Liberty, North Alabama, Samford, Tennessee Tech, UAB, West Georgia, Western Kentucky.

Scouting Report

Very instinctual player, who does a great job of snuffing out not only run plays but screens. He may not have the ideal size, but he more than makes up for it with his ability to cover ground in a hurry. Once he extends an arm and grabs hold of you, he typically finishes the play right then and there. No wiggling free for extra yardage. Love what he can do in the run game and shutting things down on the perimeter. This season, he registered 93 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, an interception, and one forced fumble. Has a nose for the football and can help put the opposing offense behind the sticks at any given moment.

Projected Playing Time

This is a guy I think defensive coordinator Zac Alley can have a lot of fun with because of his positional flexibility. He can play inside or either outside backer positions, and even played a good deal of nickel for his high school. To be honest, I’m having a hard time predicting a timeline on his path to the field because I’m unsure of where he’ll actually settle in. If he does play Nickel/SAM as well as weakside backer, he could play his way into the rotation by year two. If he happens to stick at one of the backer spots, he may need to wait a little longer. That versatility should help him in one way or another, though.

TUNE IN TONIGHT TO WEST VIRGINIA ON SI

Later tonight, we will have our annual National Signing Day special on our YouTube Page (West Virginia On SI). Be sure to subscribe to the channel to get a notification the second the episode drops. On this year’s show, we’ll be joined by offensive lineman Camden Goforth and pass rusher Noah Tishendorf. We’ll offer a full breakdown of the 2026 class, discussing who could contribute or start from day one, who may need some time to develop, under-the-radar signees, and what the remaining needs are for the Mountaineers in the transfer portal.

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