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inter storm Blair blew through the Kanawha Valley on Sunday and Monday, bringing ice and snow to the local region and beyond.

While most areas of Kanawha County saw several inches of snow, the bigger threat was freezing rain, which weather officials say may continue through Monday evening.

“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Charleston warned. “Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.”

Here’s what you need to know about the storm.

Hazardous roads

Road crews were out throughout the Kanawha Valley on Sunday and Monday clearing and salting roads, but icy conditions made early morning travel hazardous. Metro 911 reported several dozen accidents throughout the region, many related to weather conditions. There were also several reports of trees down due to ice.

County officials are encouraging residents to stay home on Monday.

“If you must go out, please be cautious on slick roads,” Kanawha County Commissioners said in a statement. “Leave extra space between cars, and lower your speed. Try to remain calm if you run into black ice, and keep your steering wheel straight.”

Power outages

Several hundred Appalachian Power customers were without power early Monday. The outages were scattered throughout Kanawha Valley and beyond.

In a statement, Appalachian Power said they have “mobilized 700 additional line and support contractors, with another 250 on standby.”

“The winter storm could cause extended power outages,” company representatives wrote. “The company urges customers to be prepared, especially those requiring electricity for medical devices."

Public transportation changes

The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority announced the cancellation of all bus routes throughout the county on Monday.

"Due to road conditions, KRT will not be operating on Monday, January 6," transportation officials said in a statement. "Our team will be driving routes and monitoring road conditions and hope to resume regular service on Tuesday, January 7."

Flights in and out of Charleston's West Virginia International Yeager Airport continued early Monday, according to live flight information. Crews were clearing airport runways over the weekend.

Passengers are advised to stay alert for possible changes during the storm.

"Be sure to check your flight status before heading to the airport," officials urged. "Contact your airline for any updates or additional flight information."

School, business and other closings

Students in Kanawha County received an extra holiday gift in the form of an extended winter break on Monday. Kanawha County Schools joined most school districts in the state, announcing school closings for January 6 on Sunday afternoon.

At the collegiate level, West Virginia State University was closed on Monday, while the University of Charleston held classes remotely. All BridgeValley campuses were closed due to weather. At the time of this writing, it was not clear if West Virginia Junior College’s Charleston campus would be closed.

Many municipal governments – including Charleston, Montgomery, Nitro, South Charleston and others – announced their facilities would be closed on Monday because of the conditions. On Sunday, St. Albans officials said city offices would be open at 10 a.m. on January 6.

On the county level, most governmental facilities, including the Kanawha County Courthouse and Judicial Annex, were also closed on Monday due to the weather.

“Kanawha County Commissioners have been in communication with Emergency Management officials and staff,” representatives said in a statement. “Officials agree it is in the best interest of public safety to close both buildings.”

Several area businesses – including many in the downtown Charleston area – had begun announcing closures early Monday morning.

All Kanawha County Library branches, as well as the South Charleston Library, were shuttered on Monday. Fayette County Library's Montgomery branch was also closed on January 6.

Warming stations

At least two warming stations have been set up around the Kanawha Valley for anyone who may need them.

In Charleston, the Kanawha Valley Collective is sponsoring a warming center at Bream Neighborhood SHOP located at 319 Washington St.West. It will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday night, January 6. “Warming Centers are for anyone who may need protection from the cold,” officials said. “Experiencing homelessness? Come on in. Housed with inadequate heat? You are welcome to come in.”

In the eastern region of the Kanawha Valley, Marmet’s George Buckley Recreation Building, 8505 MacCorkle Ave. South East, will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly each day the weather drops to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. “The ultimate goal of the warming station is to keep our fellow human beings warm and safe during freezing, inclement weather,” Marmet officials said in a statement.

This is a developing story. Information may be updated as received.