Sunday Afternoon Update
This Weather Authority Alert Day has been lifted.
Sunday Morning Update
We’re watching as mixed precipitation continues across the region. The greatest ice accumulation will be in parts of the New River Valley, and continue along the I-81 corridor. Temperatures east of Roanoke resting above freezing will lead to a changeover to rain throughout the day.
Be safe if you’re on the road today, as conditions will be slick even in areas without ice.
Saturday Evening Update
In just a few hours, a wintery mix of precipitation will move into southwest and central Virginia.
Futurecast by 5AM shows a mix of wintery precipitation and snowfall in the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, Highlands Zone, and portions of West Virginia.
Low temperatures will fall at or below freezing for the entirety of the viewing area. These temperatures in combination with the precip expected will bring up to .1″ in. of ice to portions of the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley. Highlands Zones and areas into West Virginia could pick up 2″ of snowfall along the western slopes of the Blue Ridge and up to a quarter of an inch of ice.
Be sure to take precautions if you are out on the roadways Sunday morning! By Sunday afternoon the precipitation type will gradually transition to rainfall.
Saturday Morning Update
While Saturday will be clear with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, we start to see conditions shift around 3 a.m. Sunday. With these cold temperatures locked in place, we’re tracking the chance for some winter precipitation arriving early Sunday morning.
A warm front will bring steady rain through the Ohio River Valley and into the Mid-Atlantic by Sunday. However, with temperatures locked in place behind the Appalachian Mountains thanks to a phenomenon called “cold air damming”, that rain will shift over to a wintry mix. To prepare for this shift, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued several Winter Weather Advisories for our region.
That wintry mix could consist of snow, freezing rain, sleet, and rain. Although wintry precipitation is likely anywhere within our region, the greatest chances will be west of I-81. Ice accumulations could approach over .1″ of an inch, which doesn’t seem like much, but is easily enough to lose c
It is entirely possible, and quite likely in some localities, that ice could form on the ground. Sidewalks and roadways will get slick easily thanks to the cold air in place. If you have plans tomorrow that require driving, exercise extra caution with your morning commute, as any amount of ice can easily cause your vehicle to lose control. Backroads and areas that pond water easily are the areas of most concern when it comes to driving, as it is easy for ice to build up.
Precipitation starts to thin out in the afternoon, with most wintry conditions becoming limited to the Highlands region and into West Virginia. Rain will linger for a bit as well, but will begin to clear overnight.
