A developing winter storm could bring accumulating snow and hazardous travel conditions to parts of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic late Friday through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, a low-pressure system is expected to intensify along the North Carolina coast by Friday and Saturday, with the potential to spread accumulating snow northward into the Mid-Atlantic region. While confidence is increasing that a storm will develop, forecasters stress that the exact track remains uncertain, which will strongly influence where the heaviest snow falls.
Current projections indicate that portions of southwest and central Virginia, including areas near Roanoke, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Lynchburg, could see winter weather impacts during the Friday night through Saturday night timeframe. Travel along major corridors such as I-81, I-77, US-460, and US-29 may become difficult if snow bands set up over these areas.
The Weather Service notes that small shifts in the storm’s path could result in large differences in snow amounts, making precise totals difficult to determine at this stage. In addition to snowfall, gusty winds are expected to develop by Sunday, which could lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility where snow cover is present.
If the storm tracks farther west, heavier snow could extend deeper into Virginia. A more easterly track would confine the most significant impacts closer to the coast. Forecasters emphasize that confidence will improve as the storm approaches.
Residents are encouraged to begin preparing for possible winter travel disruptions, especially those with weekend plans or overnight travel. This may be particularly relevant for commuters, students, and workers traveling along mountainous and elevated roadways.
The National Weather Service urges the public to stay tuned for forecast updates over the next several days as details become clearer. Additional advisories or watches may be issued if confidence in impacts increases.
