A dangerous glaze of ice is coating roads and trees across southwest and central Virginia this morning as a freezing rain event unfolds during the early commute. Thin but treacherous layers of ice are forming on bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces — turning what looks like wet pavement into a hidden hazard.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, freezing rain will persist through late morning, slowly changing to rain from south to north after daybreak. Ice accumulations of 0.10 to 0.20 inches are expected across much of the Blue Ridge region, with localized amounts up to 0.25 inches north of I-64. Even light icing can make roads extremely slick, particularly in shaded areas and at higher elevations.
Drivers along I-64, I-81, and US-460 should expect hazardous travel through 9 a.m. south of US-460 and up to 11 a.m. farther north. Bridges will be the first to glaze over, and untreated back roads may become impassable for short stretches. Some freezing rain is also falling west of the Blue Ridge, where wind-swept ridgelines are quickly icing over.
Meteorologists caution that while the heaviest icing ends by midday, patchy slick spots will linger as temperatures hover near freezing. Once warmer air pushes in this afternoon, roads will gradually improve, though snow showers may redevelop later across western Greenbrier County and higher peaks.
If you must travel this morning, slow down, avoid sudden stops, and steer gently. Keep a full tank and emergency kit in your vehicle — temperatures may remain cold enough for black ice into early Wednesday.
How icy are roads in your area? Share your updates as Virginia’s early December winter weather makes for a slick and slow start to the day.
