Blacksburg, Virginia – Slow-moving thunderstorms are expected to spark across western Virginia this afternoon, bringing a risk of flash flooding and damaging winds along the Blue Ridge and into Northwest North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a cold front sagging into the region will provide just enough moisture for another round of storms, particularly along the higher elevations. A Level 2 flood risk is in effect for parts of the Blue Ridge due to potential flooding of creeks, streams, and roadways.
Localized damaging wind gusts are also possible, though the main threat remains heavy rainfall over already saturated ground. Drivers along the I-81 and US-221 corridors should watch for road closures due to high water later today.
Areas from Galax to Roanoke and as far south as Mount Airy, NC, could see isolated impacts. Storm chances will diminish after sunset, with a drier, cooler pattern setting in for the weekend.
Today marks the final active weather day before high pressure returns, bringing mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures through early next week.
