Blacksburg, Virginia – A high-impact winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and significant ice accumulation to southwest Virginia this weekend, with worsening travel conditions and potential power outages likely.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, heavy snow will begin Saturday evening, quickly accumulating before sleet mixes in by Sunday morning. Areas north of U.S. Route 460, including parts of Montgomery and Giles counties, could receive 10 inches or more of snow. Farther south, snow and sleet totals of 5 to 10 inches are expected before a transition to freezing rain.
Forecasters warn that freezing rain is expected late Sunday into Monday morning, falling on top of existing snow and sleet. Ice accumulations of 0.25 to 0.50 inches or more are possible south of US-460, including portions of the southern Virginia Piedmont. Even lighter ice amounts north of the route could still cause hazardous travel.
Ice buildup on trees and power lines may result in power outages, especially where the heaviest icing occurs. Roads are expected to become treacherous, with impacts likely lingering for days as colder air moves in behind the storm.
Residents are urged to complete preparations now, avoid travel during peak impacts, and plan for possible extended disruptions through early next week.
