Blacksburg, VA – A strong cold front will sweep through the region Wednesday night, bringing a burst of heavy snow, strong gusty winds, and hazardous travel across the Appalachian Mountains, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Blacksburg.
Rain is expected to begin early in the evening before changing to snow across higher elevations of southwest Virginia, southeast West Virginia, and northwest North Carolina. Snowfall totals of 2 to 6 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts in the mountains.
Forecasters warn that gusty northwest winds up to 50 mph could lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and creating blizzard-like conditions across parts of western Greenbrier County and surrounding areas. Travel across mountain passes, including stretches of Interstate 77 and U.S. 460, may become dangerous overnight and into Thursday morning.
“Slick and locally hazardous road conditions are likely, especially on untreated surfaces,” the NWS said. “Strong winds combined with heavy snow could make for whiteout conditions in the higher terrain.”
The snow will continue through Thursday before tapering off later in the day. Temperatures will fall into the 20s and low 30s, ensuring any wet or slushy surfaces will refreeze, adding to travel hazards during the Thursday morning commute.
Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in mountain areas overnight and to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.
