Blacksburg, Virginia – Dangerously cold air is settling into the New River Valley tonight, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and anyone outdoors as temperatures plunge into the single digits and winds strengthen. Gusts topping 30 mph will drive wind chills sharply lower, increasing the risk of icy roads and making any roadside emergency especially dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, wind chills are expected to range from 5 degrees below zero to as cold as 20 below zero from southeast West Virginia through southwest Virginia and into the High Country of North Carolina through Tuesday morning. An Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory are in effect as the coldest air moves in overnight.
In and around Montgomery County, major routes such as U.S. 460, U.S. 11, and Route 114 are vulnerable to refreezing overnight as temperatures fall rapidly. Bridges, overpasses, and higher elevation roads along the mountain ridges are most likely to develop slick spots before the Tuesday morning commute. Officials urge drivers to delay non-essential travel, reduce speed, and keep extra distance between vehicles.
Residents are advised to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and ensure pets and pipes are protected. Conditions slowly improve later Tuesday, but cold air lingers, and additional advisories could be issued if wind chills remain extreme.
