Blacksburg, Virginia – Rain will spread across southwest and central Virginia this afternoon, with the highest coverage along the Interstate 81 corridor before expanding east through Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a cold front will slide across the region Wednesday, bringing rain mainly to the mountains this afternoon and tonight. Rain probabilities range from 35 to 70 percent, highest west of the Blue Ridge along I-81 from Wytheville to Roanoke and toward Lexington. By Thursday, the boundary lifts back north as a warm front, increasing rain chances area-wide, including Lynchburg along US-29 and Danville near US-58.
Temperatures will remain warm enough for all precipitation to fall as rain, limiting any winter travel concerns. However, wet pavement and brief downpours could slow traffic during the late afternoon and evening commute, especially on I-81, US-460 and US-220.
Motorists should watch for ponding on roadways and reduced visibility in heavier showers. While widespread flooding is not expected, isolated heavier pockets of rain may create slick conditions during peak travel times.
Rain coverage becomes more widespread Thursday afternoon before gradually tapering late Thursday night. Additional updates are possible if rainfall amounts trend higher or if the front stalls longer than currently projected.
