Blacksburg, Virginia – A thin glaze of ice as little as 0.10 inch could coat bridges along I-81 by 6 a.m. Tuesday, creating dangerous travel conditions across southwest Virginia and parts of southeast West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a developing system Monday into Tuesday night may bring a mix of rain, snow, sleet and freezing rain to the region. While confidence remains lower on exact precipitation types, freezing rain is possible late Monday night through Tuesday night, especially across the New River Valley, Alleghany Highlands and into southeast West Virginia.
Ice accumulations are expected to range from a trace to as much as one-tenth of an inch in the most persistent areas. Even light icing can create hazardous road conditions, particularly on elevated surfaces such as overpasses along I-81, I-77 and U.S. 460. Isolated power outages are also possible if ice clings to tree limbs and power lines.
Communities including Roanoke, Wytheville and Lewisburg should monitor updates closely as small temperature changes will determine whether precipitation falls as plain rain or freezing rain. Travel impacts could intensify quickly during overnight and early morning hours.
Residents are urged to prepare now by checking emergency kits, charging devices and limiting non-essential travel during peak icing periods. Additional watches or advisories may be issued as confidence increases in the timing and extent of ice early next week.
