Blacksburg, Virginia – A prolonged stretch of wet and increasingly windy weather is setting up across much of western and southwestern Virginia, raising concerns for localized flooding and hazardous travel through the weekend. Rain will begin later today and continue in several rounds, with the greatest impacts expected by Saturday night into Sunday as winds strengthen and rainfall totals add up.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, periods of rain will persist through the weekend, with storm-total rainfall generally ranging from around one-half inch to locally more than one and a half inches. Pockets of heavier rain could trigger urban flooding, rising small streams, and isolated flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
The highest rainfall amounts are expected across the mountains and foothills, including parts of southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. Areas near Roanoke, Blacksburg, Wytheville, and Bluefield could see repeated rounds of rain that lead to water-covered roads. Winds will also become a growing concern, picking up Saturday and strengthening further Sunday, with peak gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible along higher elevations. These winds could bring down tree limbs and cause sporadic power outages.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, secure loose outdoor items, and monitor local conditions closely. Rain and wind impacts are expected to continue through the weekend, and additional advisories or warnings may be issued as conditions evolve.
