Blacksburg, Virginia – A high-impact winter storm is taking shape across Southwest Virginia, with increasing concern for significant ice accumulation late Sunday night into early Monday that could make roads treacherous and raise the risk for power outages, especially south of U.S. 460.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, sleet and snow early Sunday are expected to transition to freezing rain overnight as warmer air aloft pushes north into Virginia. Ice accumulations of a quarter inch to a half inch are now possible in parts of the New River Valley, Southside Virginia, and areas near the North Carolina line. That shift toward more freezing rain increases the likelihood of downed trees and power lines, particularly where ice coats snow and sleet already on the ground.
The most dangerous travel window is expected late Sunday night through Monday morning, when untreated roads, bridges, and mountain routes could become slick or impassable. Even areas that see less ice initially could experience worsening conditions as colder air surges in behind the system.
After the storm exits, impacts will linger. Bitterly cold air is forecast to settle in early next week, with overnight lows near or below zero by Tuesday morning west of the Blue Ridge and wind chills dipping between 10 and 20 degrees below zero. Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing for much of next week, prolonging icy conditions.
Residents are urged to complete preparations now, avoid travel during peak icing, and plan for possible power outages. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as confidence in ice amounts continues to increase.
