Blacksburg, Virginia – Snow and powerful winds are expected to create dangerous travel conditions across the central Appalachians beginning Friday afternoon, with impacts intensifying Friday evening and lasting into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning for portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 6 inches, with the highest totals in higher elevations. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, especially along ridges and exposed areas.
In Virginia, impacted areas include Tazewell, Bland, Smyth, Giles, Grayson, Craig, Alleghany, and Bath counties, affecting communities such as Blacksburg, Marion, Pearisburg, Covington, Hot Springs, and Independence. In northwest North Carolina, Ashe and Watauga counties, including Boone and West Jefferson, are likely to see snow-covered roads by late Friday. Southeast West Virginia counties such as Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and eastern Greenbrier are also included.
Strong winds may bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to isolated outages. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick during the Friday evening commute and overnight hours.
Drivers should slow down, avoid unnecessary travel, and check road conditions before heading out. Conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunrise Saturday, but slick spots may linger in shaded and higher elevation areas.
