Blacksburg, VA – Residents across Southwest Virginia and the North Carolina mountains should prepare for a prolonged winter weather event beginning Saturday afternoon and lasting into early Monday, with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and gusty winds all expected to impact travel and power reliability.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, snow is forecast to develop Saturday afternoon and continue into the early evening, especially across higher elevations of southwest Virginia and northwest North Carolina. As temperatures fluctuate overnight, heavy sleet and snow are expected to dominate much of Saturday night.
By Sunday, freezing rain becomes the primary concern for many areas. Forecasters say ice accumulation is likely through much of the day, creating hazardous travel conditions on untreated roads, bridges, and mountain passes. The storm is expected to begin winding down around midnight Sunday into early Monday, though lingering upslope snow showers may continue in the mountains.
Windy conditions combined with ice accumulation increase the risk of scattered to widespread power outages, particularly in higher elevations and rural areas. Utility crews may face challenges restoring service due to continued cold and difficult travel conditions.
Very cold air is expected to remain in place throughout the upcoming week, meaning any snow or ice that falls may linger on roads and sidewalks well beyond the storm’s end.
The National Weather Service urges residents to:
- Prepare for possible power outages
- Avoid unnecessary travel during icy periods
- Have a backup heat source if possible
- Monitor updated forecasts and local alerts
Drivers are advised to slow down, increase following distance, and check road conditions before heading out.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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