Boone, North Carolina – Dangerous winter conditions are spreading across the central and southern Appalachians Friday as a powerful snowstorm brings heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel that could last through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for large portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. In Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties, including Boone and West Jefferson, snowfall totals of 5 to 8 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching 55 mph. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may lead to near-whiteout conditions at times, along with downed trees and scattered power outages.
Farther east, Winter Storm Warnings now cover Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin, Rockingham, and Caswell counties in North Carolina, as well as Roanoke, Franklin, Henry, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Charlotte counties in Virginia. These areas could also see 5 to 8 inches of snow through early Sunday, with travel impacts developing by the Friday evening commute.
Across southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia, including Blacksburg, Wytheville, Bluefield, and Radford, snow began early Friday and is expected to continue through Sunday afternoon. Accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are likely, with gusts up to 50 mph creating drifting snow and rapidly changing road conditions.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel if possible, keep emergency supplies in vehicles, and monitor road conditions through 511 services. Warnings remain in effect through Sunday, and lingering impacts may continue even after snowfall tapers off.
