Roanoke, Virginia – Ice could begin coating bridges along I-81 by Monday evening as freezing rain mixes with snow and plain rain, creating hazardous travel through Tuesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a prolonged period of mixed precipitation is possible from Monday into Tuesday night across southwest Virginia. Freezing rain may develop as surface temperatures hover near or below 32 degrees, leading to light ice accumulation across the region.
Ice totals of 0.02 to 0.05 inch are possible for much of the Roanoke Valley, with localized amounts approaching 0.10 inch in higher elevations and along the Blue Ridge. Even a glaze of ice can create treacherous conditions on elevated roadways, including I-581, US-460 and stretches of I-81 from Salem to Botetourt County.
Travel impacts may begin Monday afternoon and intensify overnight into early Tuesday as temperatures remain marginal. Bridges, overpasses and untreated secondary roads will freeze first. In addition to slick travel, isolated power outages are possible if ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines, particularly west of Roanoke toward the New River Valley.
Drivers should delay non-essential travel during periods of freezing rain, reduce speeds and increase following distance. Keep mobile devices charged and have flashlights ready in case of brief outages.
Precipitation may transition between rain, snow and freezing rain at times through Tuesday night before gradually tapering. Additional advisories or warnings could be issued as confidence in ice totals increases.
