ROANOKE, Va. – Friday Afternoon Update
Weather Authority Alert Day has been cleared.
Friday Morning Update
Overnight snowfall totals have started to add up. A lot of the region has seen at least 1 inch of snow with some seeing upwards of 4 inches.
Temperatures continue to decline this morning. All of Southwest Virginia will be below freezing here shortly and the transition from a mix to strictly snow will happen. This continues through 9am with some of the moisture lifting north and east.
A lot of the Winter weather moves out by the middle of the day with a few isolated showers straggling behind. Temperatures warm to near freezing this afternoon.
Most of the region has seen at least 1 inch of snow. However, some of us have seen quite a bit more than that. Some spots will see close to half a foot by the conclusion of the event.
An additional 1 to 2 inches of snow are likely through the rest of the morning (6:30am note).
Thursday Afternoon Update
While the timeline has not shifted in our Friday Weather-Maker, snowfall amounts have changed a bit in our forecast.
We are now expecting higher snowfall totals throughout the NRV, Roanoke Valley, and Highlands Zones, . Portions of Southside and Lynchburg areas will remain in the 1″-3″ range.
This will be a mainly snowfall event with brief mixed precipitation towards the beginning and end of the event.
Thursday Morning Update
There will be noticeable changes as our next weathermaker approaches. You can expect an increase in cloud cover through the day with temperatures declining this evening.
Cold air is being supplied from the north and east, while moisture is being supplied from the south. These two differing air masses will clash right on top of the mid-Atlantic and will bring widespread Winter weather.
Cloudier skies are here this evening with temperatures diving into the lower 30s by 9pm. This is important because the colder our temperatures get, the less of a wintry mix we see overnight, and the more snow we see.
Odds of 1in of snow across Southwest Virginia continue to increase. Now almost every zone has the likelihood of seeing at least 1 inch of snow by the time the event concludes.
The odds for 3in of snow is low. So, we can expect between 1 and 3 inches of snow at this current time.
It is important to note that some will see less, and some may even see more.
Check back in to this article over the next 24 to 36 hours for updates on the forecast!
Wednesday Evening Update
As we approach our next winter storm, a timeline has become clearer for all of the different precipitation types on deck.
We will likely start off with a wintry mix and very quickly transition to all snowfall for the next 12 hours. Snowfall may be heavy at times overnight. By lunchtime on Friday, we will likely see any remaining snow moving out of our area.
The top threat with this event will be widespread snowfall. This will very quickly lead to slick roads and bring the possibility of power outages.
Both the New River and Roanoke Valleys will see the higher snowfall totals, picking up anywhere from 1-3″. Areas to the east of I-81 will receive a bit less, around a coating to 2″.
We will continue to update this article with the latest forecast as this event draws nearer!
Wednesday Afternoon Update
Your Local Weather Authority is forecasting snow for Southwest Virginia. On and off scattered snow showers build into the region early Friday morning with a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain at times.
Some of our greatest worries occur in the morning, primarily surrounding commuting. Roads will be slick early on and will likely be slick through much of the day. If you can avoid travel, please do so. Minor power outages may also result in some areas.
Temperatures are around freezing for most of Thursday night with cloudy skies rolling in.
The first of the snow and wintry mix arrives shortly after midnight on Friday. Notice how temperatures are below, at, or above freezing during this time. Icy conditions may exist for the first few hours of the event.
By 6 a.m., all of Southwest Virginia should be below freezing, and so mostly snow should ensue. However, a few warm pockets may exist and sleet and/or freezing rain may result for brief periods.
Most of the precipitation moves out around noon with sub-freezing temperatures continuing through then. Temperatures return to the mid-30s or so by late afternoon with a few isolated showers possible.
Here is a look at how much snow you could see during the event. Note, not all totals will be exact to this as forecast totals are highly likely to change.
Most of the precipitation we see will be snow because almost all of the atmospheric column will be below freezing. Some patches of sleet and freezing rain are likely early on and near the conclusion of the event.
This is your reminder to drive carefully in winter weather. It has been a while since this region has seen snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Please be patient on the roadways and travel with a winter safety kit!
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