Central Appalachians – Hazardous early-morning travel conditions persist across portions of the Appalachian region as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the advisory covers northwest North Carolina, southwest and west-central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia, and is set to expire at 7 a.m. EST. Forecasters report additional snowfall of up to one inch, combined with strong wind gusts reaching as high as 55 miles per hour.
The affected area includes Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina; Tazewell, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Grayson, Craig, Alleghany, and Bath counties in Virginia; and Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and eastern Greenbrier counties in West Virginia. Communities such as Boone, Bluefield, Lewisburg, Pearisburg, Tazewell, Marion, and West Jefferson are included in the advisory.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly in spots, particularly along Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460, U.S. Route 52, U.S. Route 221, and higher-elevation secondary roads. The National Weather Service warns that bridges and overpasses are especially susceptible to icing, even where snowfall totals remain light.
Strong winds may lead to blowing snow, sudden reductions in visibility, and isolated tree damage, particularly in exposed mountain ridges and gaps. Power interruptions are possible if tree limbs are damaged by wind stress.
Motorists traveling before sunrise are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and use extra caution, especially in mountainous terrain. State transportation officials recommend checking road conditions by dialing 511 before departing.
For commuters, students, and early-shift workers, the most hazardous conditions are expected during the pre-dawn hours, with gradual improvement after winds ease later this morning.
Residents should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions and take precautions to reduce travel risks until the advisory expires.
