Roanoke, VA – A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for much of western and central Virginia as freezing rain moves into the region tonight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg. The advisory extends through Tuesday morning and is expected to create hazardous conditions during the early commute.
Forecasters say the primary threat is light ice accumulation from freezing rain, with coverage stretching across communities including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Wytheville, Lexington, and Danville. Mixed precipitation will begin overnight, with freezing rain becoming the dominant type in many locations before daybreak.
According to the NWS, even small amounts of ice can create slick and dangerous conditions on untreated roads, sidewalks, elevated bridges, and overpasses. Temperatures are expected to hover near or below freezing through early Tuesday, keeping surfaces icy until gradual warming arrives later in the morning.
Travelers using I-81, US-460, US-220, and Route 11 may encounter hazardous spots, especially in higher terrain and shaded valleys. The NWS advises drivers to allow extra time for the Tuesday morning commute and to monitor conditions closely.
While significant snow is not expected, the combination of freezing rain and intermittent sleet could still cause disruptions, with some isolated power-line icing possible in colder pockets.
The advisory remains in effect until late Tuesday morning, when temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing across most of the region.
