Richmond, Virginia – Slippery interstates and strong wind gusts could disrupt travel across Virginia beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, as a wetter late-winter pattern increases the risk for freezing rain and gusty conditions through Monday, March 2.
According to NOAA’s 6- to 10-day outlook issued Friday, above-normal precipitation is favored across the Mid-Atlantic during the Thursday-to-Monday stretch. With temperatures trending near seasonal averages, brief dips toward 32 degrees may allow freezing rain to develop, especially overnight and during early morning commutes.
Statewide impacts may focus along I-95 from Northern Virginia through Richmond and south toward Petersburg, where elevated ramps and bridges over the James and Rappahannock rivers freeze first. In western Virginia, including Roanoke, Blacksburg and along the I-81 corridor, colder air may linger longer, increasing the chance of light ice accumulation before precipitation changes back to rain.
Higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Shenandoah Valley face an elevated icing risk if surface temperatures remain near freezing. Wind risk also increases late in the period, particularly Sunday into Monday, with gusts between 40 and 50 mph possible across exposed ridgelines and coastal Hampton Roads. Strong winds combined with saturated soil could down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices and allow extra travel time during peak icing windows. The unsettled pattern continues through March 2, and additional advisories may be issued statewide.
