Charlottesville, VA – A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy snow and ice to parts of Virginia and West Virginia, creating dangerous travel conditions through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Wednesday, followed by an Ice Storm Warning from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, snowfall accumulations between 6 and 10 inches are expected across the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. A second wave of wintry weather will bring significant icing, with up to one-third of an inch of ice accumulation by early Thursday.
Roads are expected to become impassable due to heavy, wet snow and ice. The storm is set to impact commutes Tuesday evening through Wednesday night. Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for possible power outages.
The heaviest snowfall is forecast through Tuesday evening, with snowfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour in some areas. A mix of sleet and freezing rain will develop Wednesday morning before a steady period of freezing rain moves in Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and call 511 for road conditions.
