Blacksburg, VA – Residents across Virginia should prepare for a wintry mix that may disrupt travel starting Saturday night into Sunday. A freezing rain advisory is in effect for areas along the I-81 corridor, with hazardous driving conditions likely early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, a mix of freezing rain and sleet could begin after midnight Saturday, transitioning to rain by mid-morning Sunday. Precipitation chances are high, with up to a tenth of an inch of ice possible. This could lead to slippery roads, particularly in higher elevations and across mountain passes.
Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary trips on Sunday morning, especially on roads prone to icing like I-81 and Route 460. East winds around 5 mph and overnight lows near 29 degrees will contribute to the freezing conditions.
The system will bring mostly rain by Sunday afternoon, with highs reaching the mid-40s. However, cold air lingering in the valleys and shaded areas may extend icing impacts. Rain showers are expected to taper off by Sunday night, with new precipitation amounts under a quarter of an inch.
Looking ahead, Monday will be mostly cloudy with highs near 51 degrees and a slight chance of showers. Temperatures are forecasted to climb further by Tuesday, with highs near 58. Drivers should remain vigilant for potential refreezing overnight through early next week as temperatures dip into the low 30s.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates and prepare vehicles with emergency supplies, including ice scrapers and salt.
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