US-460 near Blacksburg, Virginia – Travel across the New River Valley could become dangerous beginning Saturday afternoon as a high-impact winter storm brings heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the storm is expected to intensify Saturday night, with heavy snow likely along and north of U.S. 460, including the Blacksburg area. Forecasts indicate 8 to 14 inches of snow north of U.S. 460, with 5 to 8 inches near the North Carolina–Virginia border. Snow totals may drop sharply south of the corridor as sleet mixes in.
Roadways including US-460, I-81, and VA Route 114 are expected to see snow-covered pavement, reduced visibility, and rapidly deteriorating driving conditions. The Weather Service warns that travel could become very difficult or impossible during peak snowfall Saturday night into Sunday.
Farther south, freezing rain may produce around 0.25 inches of ice in parts of the Piedmont, with lighter glaze amounts elsewhere. Even limited icing could worsen road conditions, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
The storm is expected to begin midday Saturday, peak from Saturday night through Sunday evening, and taper by daybreak Monday. Forecasters also warn that brutal cold will follow the storm, preventing snow and ice from melting and allowing hazardous travel conditions to persist into early next week.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel from Saturday night through Monday, prepare emergency supplies, and monitor forecast updates closely as snowfall and ice amounts may change with small shifts in the storm track.
Commuters, students, and weekend travelers using US-460 and I-81 near Blacksburg should plan for major delays and possible road closures.
