Charlottesville, Virginia – Drivers crossing Virginia’s Blue Ridge could encounter rapidly deteriorating road conditions within hours Thursday as rain flips to heavy, wet snow by mid-morning. Slushy accumulation of up to 3 inches combined with wind gusts near 35 mph may create slick pavement and sharply reduced visibility along mountain routes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Northern and Central Virginia Blue Ridge during that five-hour window. Forecasters expect rain early Thursday morning to transition into a brief burst of heavy, wet snow late in the morning before tapering off early in the afternoon.
Travel across higher elevations could become hazardous quickly. Portions of Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and mountain stretches of Interstate 64 may see slush buildup as snowfall rates intensify for a short period. Visibility could drop below half a mile at times, especially along exposed ridgelines.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews may monitor bridges and mountain passes for slick conditions. Wet snow sticking to tree limbs could also snap branches when combined with gusty winds, creating isolated road blockages or minor power disruptions.
Drivers heading through the Blue Ridge are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and check Virginia’s 511 system for real-time road updates. Snow should taper by mid-afternoon Thursday, but additional advisories remain possible if heavier bands develop over the higher terrain.
