Blacksburg, VA – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect Friday across large portions of Virginia and West Virginia, as a slow-moving winter system brings accumulating snow and hazardous travel conditions to the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, snow is expected to continue through much of the day before tapering off this evening. While snowfall totals will vary by elevation and location, forecasters warn that even lighter accumulations could lead to slippery roads, especially during peak travel hours.
Areas With Highest Snowfall Totals
The heaviest snow is forecast across the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia and southeast West Virginia, where 2 to 4 inches of accumulation is expected by the time the advisory expires.
In Virginia, affected counties include Alleghany, Bath, and Craig. In West Virginia, snow will impact Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier counties. The Winter Weather Advisory for these areas remains in effect until 7 p.m. EST Friday.
Higher elevations in these regions are expected to see more persistent snowfall, with roads becoming snow-covered at times, particularly on secondary and untreated routes.
Southwest Virginia Snow Forecast
Across southwest Virginia, including Tazewell, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Wythe, Pulaski, and Montgomery counties, snowfall totals are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches. The greatest impacts are forecast along and northwest of Interstate 81, where colder air will allow snow to accumulate more efficiently.
The Winter Weather Advisory for this portion of the state remains active until 4 p.m. EST Friday, with snow gradually tapering during the afternoon hours.
Central and Eastern Virginia Impacts
Farther east, another advisory is in place until 7 p.m. EST for parts of central Virginia and the Roanoke Valley. These areas are expected to receive up to 2 inches of snow, with localized higher totals possible.
Communities included in this advisory area include Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Bedford, Buena Vista, Lexington, Amherst, and Appomattox. Even modest snowfall amounts could create slick travel conditions, particularly during the evening commute.
Travel Conditions and Timing Concerns
Forecasters caution that snow timing may coincide with both the Friday morning and evening commutes, increasing the risk of travel disruptions. Slippery conditions are expected on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads, which tend to freeze more quickly than surrounding pavement.
The National Weather Service warned:
“Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility may create hazardous driving conditions, especially in higher elevations and during periods of heavier snowfall.”
Drivers traveling through mountainous terrain should be especially cautious, as conditions can change rapidly with elevation.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Officials urge motorists to take precautions if travel is necessary during the advisory period. Recommended safety measures include slowing down, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden braking on slick surfaces.
Drivers can check real-time road conditions by dialing 511, which provides updates from state transportation departments across both Virginia and West Virginia. Local agencies may also issue updates as conditions evolve throughout the day.
What to Expect Tonight
Snowfall is expected to gradually taper off later this evening as the system moves east. However, lingering slick spots may persist overnight, particularly in shaded areas and higher elevations where temperatures remain below freezing.
While widespread significant impacts are not expected after the advisory expires, officials caution that untreated roads could remain hazardous into the overnight and early Saturday hours.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, and use caution if heading out on the roads.
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