Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | February 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
Interstate 64 is one of the primary east–west highways running through Charleston, West Virginia, carrying a steady mix of local commuters, long-distance travelers, and commercial traffic. Because vehicles travel at high speeds and traffic patterns can change quickly, weather conditions play a significant role in how safely drivers can navigate this stretch of road.
Rain, snow, fog, ice, and storms frequently contribute to crashes by reducing visibility, limiting traction, and increasing the likelihood of driver error. Understanding how specific weather conditions affect driving on I-64 can help motorists recognize dangerous situations earlier and respond more safely when conditions deteriorate.
Why Weather Plays a Major Role in I-64 Accidents Near Charleston, WV
Charleston sits within the Kanawha Valley, where geography and weather patterns often combine to create sudden and unpredictable driving conditions. Changes in elevation, nearby waterways, and surrounding hills can cause rain, fog, or ice to develop quickly, sometimes without much advance notice.
Drivers traveling at interstate speeds may not have enough time to adjust when the weather shifts abruptly. When poor weather coincides with traffic congestion, construction zones, or reduced shoulder space, the risk of serious or multi-vehicle accidents on I-64 increases.
Rain and Wet Roads on I-64
Rain is one of the most common weather-related hazards on I-64. Even moderate rainfall can significantly reduce tire traction, especially during the early stages of a storm when oil, dirt, and debris rise to the surface of the roadway. These slick conditions make it harder for drivers to brake safely or maintain control.
Standing water can also lead to hydroplaning, a dangerous situation where tires lose contact with the pavement. On a high-speed interstate, hydroplaning can cause drivers to lose steering control entirely, often resulting in lane departures, collisions with other vehicles, or crashes into barriers.
Snow and Ice Create Severe Winter Driving Hazards
Winter weather presents some of the most serious dangers for drivers on I-64 near Charleston. Snow can obscure lane markings and reduce visibility, while ice—particularly black ice—can make the road surface nearly impossible to grip.
Bridges, overpasses, and shaded sections of I-64 tend to freeze before other areas. Drivers who are unaware of these patterns may suddenly lose control, even if nearby pavement appears clear. During winter storms, sudden slowdowns frequently lead to chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Fog and Reduced Visibility in the Kanawha Valley
Fog is a frequent concern along I-64, especially during early morning hours or seasonal temperature changes. Dense fog can drastically limit how far ahead drivers can see, making it difficult to spot stopped traffic, road debris, or changing traffic patterns.
Reduced visibility often leads to rear-end collisions when drivers fail to slow down or leave adequate following distance. Fog-related crashes are especially dangerous on interstates because drivers may not realize traffic has slowed until it is too late to react safely.
High Winds and Storm Conditions
Severe storms in the Charleston area can bring strong winds that affect vehicle stability on I-64. High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and RVs are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts that can push them out of their lanes.
Storm conditions may also introduce hazards like fallen branches, blown debris, or sudden downpours. Drivers who overcorrect their steering or brake abruptly during high winds increase the risk of losing control or colliding with nearby vehicles.
How Weather-Related Accidents Often Happen
Weather conditions alone rarely cause accidents. More often, crashes occur when hazardous conditions combine with unsafe driving behavior. Common contributing factors include:
- Driving too fast for the road and weather conditions
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Failing to use headlights appropriately in low visibility
- Sudden braking or unsafe lane changes
- Poor vehicle maintenance, such as worn tires or brakes
When drivers do not adjust their behavior to match conditions, even relatively mild weather can increase the likelihood of serious accidents on I-64.
Who May Be Liable for Weather-Related Accidents?
Even during poor weather, drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. Motorists who speed, drive distracted, or fail to adapt to hazardous conditions may still be held accountable for causing a crash.
In certain situations, additional parties may share responsibility. For example, trucking companies may face scrutiny if drivers were pressured to continue driving during unsafe conditions, or maintenance entities may be involved if road conditions were not properly addressed.
Contact the Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
Weather-related accidents on I-64 in Charleston, West Virginia, can lead to serious injuries, extended medical treatment, and significant financial stress. When a crash happens because another driver failed to adjust to hazardous conditions, injured individuals may have options for pursuing compensation.
If you need help, call Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers today and schedule a free consultation with our Charleston personal injury attorneys.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
