Blacksburg, Virginia – Periods of heavy rain will overspread southwest and central Virginia through Sunday evening, with rainfall totals reaching 1 inch or more south of Interstate 64 and creating pockets of high water along major roadways before midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, widespread rain will continue through the day and into Sunday night as a low pressure system tracks across the Southeast. The heaviest rainfall is expected along and south of I-64, including Roanoke, Blacksburg, Lynchburg, Danville and Wytheville. Rainfall totals between 0.75 and 1.25 inches are likely, with locally higher amounts possible in the Blue Ridge foothills and along the Virginia-North Carolina border.
Roads including I-81, I-77, US-460, US-29 and US-58 may see standing water during heavier downpours this afternoon and evening. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall remains in place, meaning isolated flooding could develop in low-lying or poor drainage areas. Smaller creeks and streams may respond quickly where rainfall rates briefly intensify.
Drivers should slow down on wet highways, avoid water-covered roads and allow extra stopping distance. Heavy rain will also melt lingering snow in higher elevations, increasing runoff into rivers and streams.
Rain tapers off by early Monday morning, followed by drier and milder conditions heading into midweek. Additional advisories could be issued if rainfall rates increase later today.
