Weather
Virginia Thanksgiving Travel: Storm, Ice Risk Nov. 18–24
Richmond, VA – Thanksgiving travelers across Virginia could encounter changing weather conditions from November 18–24, with concerns about rain, mountain snow and potentially icy roads as holiday traf
By Evan Cross · 2026-11-11T05:09:02.792Z
Richmond, VA – Thanksgiving travelers across Virginia could encounter changing weather conditions from November 18–24, with concerns about rain, mountain snow and potentially icy roads as holiday traffic builds along some of the East Coast's busiest highways.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 precipitation outlook highlights an increased likelihood of above normal precipitation across a broad area of the United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24. The strongest wetter than normal signals are concentrated farther west, so a significant storm affecting Virginia is not yet established.
However, the approaching Thanksgiving travel period makes the potential movement of weather systems toward the Mid Atlantic important to monitor, particularly along Interstate 81, Interstate 95 and Interstate 64.
Richmond, Henrico and Central Virginia Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville and Petersburg could experience periods of rain if storm systems move eastward during the preholiday period.
Interstate 95, Interstate 64 and Interstate 295 are major travel corridors where heavier rainfall could reduce visibility and slow traffic.
Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC, Region Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Manassas, Woodbridge and Fredericksburg could face wet roads and increased congestion if precipitation coincides with holiday departures.
Interstate 95, Interstate 66 and Interstate 495 are particularly important routes to monitor.
Rain would be the primary concern, although mixed precipitation could become possible if colder air arrives.
Roanoke, Blacksburg and Southwest Virginia Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Wytheville warrant attention for possible winter weather, especially in surrounding higher elevations.
Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 could experience hazardous conditions if snow or freezing precipitation develops.
Mountain temperatures will be a key factor in determining whether precipitation falls as rain or snow.
Harrisonburg, Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Winchester and surrounding Shenandoah Valley communities could experience changing weather conditions during November 18–24.
Travelers along Interstate 81, Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 11 should watch for rain, reduced visibility and possible icy conditions if temperatures fall below freezing.
Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Southside Virginia Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Farmville and Danville could see periods of rain if approaching weather systems reach central and southern Virginia.
Interstate 64, U.S. Route 29 and U.S. Route 460 are important routes for travelers moving between the mountains, central Virginia and the coast.
Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Hampton Roads Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and Hampton could face rain related travel delays if unsettled weather reaches the coast.
Interstate 64, Interstate 264 and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel could experience slower traffic during heavier showers.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Snow or Ice Affect Virginia? The forecast window ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
Rain and reduced visibility are the main hazards to monitor statewide. Mountain snow and freezing precipitation remain conditional concerns, particularly in western Virginia and along higher elevation sections of Interstate 81.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the country, which limits confidence in widespread low elevation snow or ice.
The November 18–24 precipitation outlook does not predict a specific winter storm, snowfall total or highway closure.
Virginia travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and Virginia Department of Transportation road conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.