BLACKSBURG, VA – The calm, cold air across Virginia’s Blue Ridge this morning won’t last much longer. A developing low-pressure system is tracking toward the region, ready to drop several inches of snow and create treacherous travel conditions by Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through 7 p.m. Friday, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected across portions of southwest and central Virginia — including Blacksburg, Roanoke, Lexington, and Radford. The heaviest snow is expected during the morning commute, when visibility could quickly drop below a mile and roads may turn slick.
Drivers should plan for slow travel and possible delays along I-81 and Route 460, where accumulating snow and an icy mix may cause difficult driving conditions. Temperatures will hover near freezing through midday Friday, increasing the risk of a brief changeover to sleet or freezing rain before tapering off by afternoon.
Behind the system, skies clear Friday night, but cold air lingers, with lows in the 20s and wind chills dipping into the teens. The weekend looks quieter, featuring sunny but brisk days in the 40s and clear, frosty nights.
Long-range models hint at another winter system possible by mid-next week, keeping the early December pattern active for the southern Appalachians.
Five-Day Outlook (Blacksburg, VA)
- Friday: Snow/wintry mix, 2–4″, high 32°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 44°F.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 44°F.
- Monday: Sunny, high 40°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 42°F.
