Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

As the East Coast keeps its eye on Hurricane Sandy, the current forecast for the Eyewitness News viewership area calls for some nasty weather, but nothing severe.

A cold front is moving through the area this weekend with temperatures in the 50s. Heavier rain is slated for Sunday. The full effects of Sandy emerge next week with temperatures in the 40s Monday through Thursday and rain showers mixed with snow at times. Most of the snow will melt as it falls to the ground because of the warm ground temperature.

The mountains in West Virginia could be a different story. Snowshoe in Pocahontas County could receive several feet of snow.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin encouraged West Virginians to prepare for potential severe weather conditions associated with Hurricane Sandy. In a news release, the governor said that although there is some uncertainty with the storm's final path, current forecasts predict rain, snow and strong winds could move into the state. The north central part of the state, the panhandles and the higher elevations are currently expected to be affected the most, he said.

"This afternoon, I'm encouraging all West Virginians to begin preparing for the possibility of severe weather," Tomblin said. "I encourage folks to prepare by gathering batteries, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, blankets, medications, a battery-operated radio and other necessities during the next few days, and to make sure friends, family members and neighbors are also prepared.

"I will continue to monitor this storm very closely, and I will stay in close contact with our Office of Emergency Management Services to make sure our state is prepared should we experience hazardous conditions."

While West Virginians are hoping the Mountain State could escape the brunt of the storm, a good chunk of the East Coast is likely to be severely affected, with hurricane force gusts along and east of Interstate 95 and flooding rains and major, possibly historic coastal flooding. Numerous flights are likely to be canceled and potentially millions could be in the dark for next week.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for details.

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