Bluefield, West Virginia – Snow and powerful winds sweeping across the central Appalachians Monday night are creating slick mountain roads and hazardous travel from southwest Virginia into southern West Virginia and northwest North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 2 a.m. EDT Tuesday for Bland, Smyth, and Tazewell counties in Virginia along with Mercer and Summers counties in West Virginia. Snowfall totals could reach up to 2 inches, while wind gusts near 40 mph may blow snow across roads and reduce visibility in areas such as Bluefield, Tazewell, Marion, and Hinton.
Higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Boone, West Jefferson, and Whitetop, face stronger winds. Gusts could reach 60 mph above 3,500 feet, where light snow may create slippery conditions on mountain routes such as U.S. 421 and sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tree damage is possible in exposed areas due to the strong winds.
The most prolonged impacts are expected in Western Greenbrier County, West Virginia, where snowfall totals could reach 3 to 4 inches with wind gusts up to 50 mph. That advisory remains active until 5 p.m. Tuesday, potentially affecting both the morning and evening commutes near Rainelle, Quinwood, and Duo.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra braking distance, and check state 511 road condition systems before traveling. Conditions should gradually improve overnight in many areas, though snow and gusty winds could linger in the higher terrain of West Virginia into Tuesday afternoon.
