Storm set to bring snow and ice
ROANOKE, Va. – Heads up! A winter storm is making its way to Southwest and Central Virginia, and it will shake up your plans. The snow starts between 3a.m.-4a.m. in the NRV and will overspread the entire region soon after sunrise. Snow will be the main precipitation type through at least lunch-time on Tuesday.
But snow isn’t the only player in this storm. By tomorrow afternoon and/or evening, the main precipitation type is expected to shift to freezing rain in most areas, which could cause travel disruptions and icy conditions. For those in the southern Shenandoah and Highlands, the snow will stick around a bit longer leading to higher accumulations.
Regional impact expectations
The snow is expected to vary across different regions. In Roanoke and Lynchburg you will see anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snow, while areas like the Highlands will see more, where 6-10″ of snow is possible. If you’re closer to the North Carolina border, expect less snow but prepare for more freezing rain and plain rain.
The freezing rain could be quite significant, with some areas like the southern Blue Ridge possibly seeing up to half an inch plus of ice. The NRV and potentially portions of the Roanoke Valley may see the most ice with this winter storm. This will lead to hazardous conditions, so stay alert and be prepared for potential power outages.
Weekly outlook
The cold air from the Great Lakes, in conjunction with the wedge will bring daytime temperatures down into the 30s tomorrow. And we will stay in the 30s on Wednesday where we will still have the chance for freezing rain and plain rain. Important to note: we will have a couple of breaks in the precipitation, but also important to note that this will be a high impact event.
Things should dry out a bit by Thursday, with the best chance for any rain lying early in the day. Friday looks dry all day. But, more precipitation will move in this weekend. We may start as freezing rain in some areas Saturday morning, but the main precipitation type will be plain rain through Sunday. We should be drier and see more sun early next week. Temperatures will rise into the 40s late this week into this weekend.
Please stay tuned to Your Local Weather Authority for all further updates.
