Blacksburg, Virginia – Confidence is increasing that a significant winter storm could bring heavy snowfall across portions of Virginia and North Carolina this weekend, with some areas potentially seeing up to a foot of snow as the system continues into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, probabilistic snowfall forecasts show a high likelihood of measurable snow beginning Friday night and continuing through Sunday, with lingering impacts possible into Monday, Feb. 2. Several locations across southwest and central Virginia, as well as north-central North Carolina, fall within zones where 6 to 12 inches of snow is possible if higher-end scenarios develop.
NWS data shows 90 to near 100 percent chances of at least one inch of snow, with sharply increasing probabilities for higher totals along the Blue Ridge and Appalachian region. The highest snow potential extends near and west of Interstate 81, including areas around Blacksburg, Roanoke, Wytheville, and Lewisburg, while significant accumulations are also possible along Interstate 77 and Interstate 40 into North Carolina.
Forecasters note that snowfall amounts will depend on storm track and intensity, but even lower-end outcomes would still result in widespread travel impacts, especially in higher elevations. Snowfall rates could become heavy at times, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Travel disruptions are most likely from Saturday through Sunday, with hazardous conditions expected on major corridors such as I-81, I-77, I-40, and U.S. 29. Cold temperatures will allow snow to accumulate efficiently and persist on roadways.
This developing storm is especially relevant for weekend travelers, commuters, students, and essential workers across the region.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely, review winter travel plans, and prepare now for the possibility of significant snowfall and prolonged winter conditions into early February.
