Snow, colder temperatures expected

It's not exactly a winter wonderland just yet, but Huntington residents should expect to see a blanket of white today.

WCHS Meteorologist Douglass Harlow said temperatures will drop to a low of 27 and the first snowfall of this winter will begin sticking to area roads.

"In Charleston and Huntington and most valley spots, we expect a dusting to maybe an inch on the hilltops," Harlow said. "While that snow could stick to the roads, it probably won't cause widespread travel problems this morning."

Harlow said snow showers would continue through the day with an expected high of 33 degrees.

Although 33 degrees is considered quite chilly, Huntington residents should anticipate higher pressures taking over, which will make temperatures rise by the end of the week.

WSAZ Meteorologist Marina Jurica said the weather would reach the 40s by the time college students head home for the holiday break.

"You're going to see higher pressures making the temperatures hit the 40s," Jurica said. "Travel weather should be good and dry by this weekend."

In this week's weather outlook, Harlow said this is an unusual week in November, as the normal highs for this time of year are in the low to mid-50s. This might mean breaking out the winter coats and snow boots a bit earlier than past years.

The Web site collegeuniversity.suite101.com released an article in December 2006 which gave college students advice on what to wear for the cold winter months. In Naomi Rockler-Gladen's article, "Warm Winter Clothes for Students," she suggests warm socks, silk long underwear, warm fleece mittens, waterproof winter boots and sweaters made out of natural materials.

"Cold feet make you feel awful, but cold wet feel make you feel even worse," Rockler-Gladen said. "Invest in some quality wool blend socks. Hiking socks will also do the trick."

WSAZ Chief Meteorologist Tony Cavalier said since the first snow accumulation would happen this morning, students should be wearing their Marshall parkas.

"Ladies, leave the expensive leather shoes in the closet," Cavalier said.

Courtney McNeel, senior marketing major from Barboursville, W.Va., said her trick to staying warm during the winter months is her North Face jacket.

"I put my heels up and wear my snow boots or Uggs," McNeel said.

Phil Lisi, junior sports management and marketing major from Cincinnati, said a nice pair of sweatpants, a fleece jacket, and a beanie works better than wearing a lot of layers. Lisi said he thinks some people over dress during the winter months.

"I think a guy wearing a scarf is pretty ridiculous," Lisi said. "I can understand if it's really cold, but if the weather isn't below 30, then people can bear the weather with a nice jacket and pants."

Megan Archer can be contacted at archer15@marshall.edu.