Blacksburg, Virginia – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through 10 a.m. Thursday for portions of southwest Virginia and northwest North Carolina, with slick road conditions expected.
According to the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, winter weather will continue through early Thursday as a system brings snow, sleet, and pockets of freezing rain across the region. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are expected in most advisory areas, with locally higher amounts up to 3 inches possible.
The most significant impacts are expected along major travel corridors including Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460, Interstate 77, and surrounding secondary roads. Bridges and overpasses are expected to be particularly slick, especially during the early morning commute hours.
In addition to the advisory, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for western Greenbrier County, West Virginia. That watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday morning, with the potential for up to 5 inches of snow depending on storm track and intensity.
The National Weather Service warned that gusty winds accompanying the system may further reduce visibility at times, particularly in higher elevations. Temperatures hovering near freezing could also allow for brief periods of freezing rain or sleet, increasing the risk of icy surfaces.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution when traveling overnight or early Thursday. Students, commuters, and young workers traveling before sunrise may experience the most hazardous conditions.
Conditions are expected to improve later Thursday morning as precipitation tapers off and temperatures gradually rise. Additional updates may be issued as the system evolves and as confidence increases regarding the potential weekend winter storm in West Virginia.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for changing winter travel conditions.
