Bluefield, West Virginia – Mountain travel across parts of Virginia, West Virginia and northwest North Carolina could become nearly impossible at times through Monday night as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph hammer higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through midnight Monday night for Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina and Grayson and Smyth counties in Virginia, mainly above 3,500 feet. In Tazewell County, Virginia, along with Mercer and Summers counties in West Virginia, warnings last until 1 a.m. Tuesday. Western Greenbrier County is also under a warning until 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Snow totals will vary sharply with elevation. Lower valleys may see up to 3 inches, while communities such as Beech Mountain, Mount Rogers and Flattop Mountain could pick up 5 to 12 inches. Western Greenbrier County is also expected to see 5 to 12 inches, with 2 to 7 inches around Bluefield, Tazewell and Hinton.
Winds gusting 35 to 50 mph will create blowing snow and visibility below a quarter mile at times, especially along I-77 near Fancy Gap, U.S. 421 near Boone and higher stretches of U.S. 19 and U.S. 460. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel if possible, check 511 for road conditions and carry emergency supplies. Snow showers and strong winds will continue through Monday night before tapering early Tuesday, but slick spots may linger into the Tuesday morning commute.
