Blacksburg, Va. – Drivers across Southwest Virginia and Southeast West Virginia have less than 24 hours to prepare for icy roads as up to one-tenth of an inch of ice begins coating bridges and higher elevations by 7 a.m. Monday, threatening both the morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 7 a.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday for Giles, Craig, Alleghany and Bath counties in Virginia, along with Monroe and Greenbrier counties in West Virginia. Forecasters expect mixed precipitation with up to 1 inch of snow and sleet and around 0.10 inches of ice accumulation.
The greatest impacts are likely along elevated stretches of I-64 near White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg, U.S. 460 through Pearisburg, and mountain routes near Clifton Forge and Hot Springs. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, especially above 2,500 feet in places like Quinwood, Rainelle and Union.
VDOT and the West Virginia Division of Highways urge drivers to slow down and check 511 for real-time road conditions. Even light ice can cause spinouts on untreated secondary roads.
Temperatures hover near freezing through early Tuesday, prolonging slick spots during the Tuesday morning commute. Additional advisories may be issued if ice totals trend higher overnight.
