BLACKSBURG, Virginia – A light wintry mix moving into the mountains late tonight could create slick roads across southwest Virginia, with icing most likely in higher elevations and parts of the Piedmont after sunrise Sunday. Even a thin glaze of ice or wet snow may cause trouble on untreated surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service, a combination of light rain, freezing rain, sleet, and wet snow will begin over the mountains shortly after midnight. Western sections of the Piedmont may see light icing by early Sunday as the mix transitions to a cold rain from south to north during the morning.
Communities along and north of Highway 60 — including areas near Covington, Lexington, Amherst, and portions of the New River Valley — are most at risk for spotty icing. Side streets, bridges, and elevated roadways will be the first to become slick, especially before road crews can respond. Pedestrians should also use caution, as sidewalks may become slippery with little notice.
Widespread impacts are expected to remain minor, but travel delays are possible where freezing rain lingers longest. Temperatures gradually rise by midday Sunday, reducing icing concerns.
Drivers should allow extra travel time early Sunday and monitor updates as the advisory remains in effect through the morning.
