Virginia – Fallen leaves swirl through parking lots and down Main Street this morning as powerful northwest winds roar across the New River Valley. Gusts up to 50 mph continue to lash the Blacksburg area, bending trees and rattling signs — a clear sign that colder air is settling in fast.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory through 11 a.m. Thursday for portions of southwest Virginia, southeast West Virginia, and northwest North Carolina. Winds from the west at 15–25 mph may gust near 50 mph, making driving difficult on exposed highways like I-81 and Route 460. Drivers should secure loose objects, watch for blowing debris, and prepare for isolated power outages.
By Friday, calmer weather returns with bright sunshine and highs near 41°F, but another system approaches this weekend. Saturday starts dry, then Sunday brings a 70% chance of rain — possibly changing to freezing rain early. Temperatures will hover near 32°F, especially in higher elevations, which could create slick bridges and rural backroads.
Meteorologists say this weekend’s moisture is part of a broader early December pattern trending colder and wetter across the East. NOAA’s extended outlook shows below-normal temperatures holding through Dec 6, hinting that winter’s first true chill may arrive sooner than expected.
5-Day Outlook (Blacksburg, VA)
- Friday: Sunny, high 41°F.
- Saturday: Increasing clouds, high 41°F.
- Sunday: Rain/freezing rain likely, high 44°F.
- Monday: Chance of rain, high 43°F.
- Tuesday: Cloudy, high 40°F.
