ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—A cold front will pass through Southwest and Central Virginia on Wednesday. Widespread rain, gusty winds, mountain snow showers, and colder air are anticipated for the day.
Rain is likely on Wednesday, so use caution when traveling on wet roads. Periods of heavy rainfall may occur, which could lead to flooding concerns in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Overall, rainfall totals of 1 – 2″ are anticipated, with locally higher amounts possible.
Winds will become gusty as the cold front moves through. Wind gusts as high as 55 mph may occur at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge. Wind Advisories have been issued for counties along/west of the Blue Ridge through Wednesday night.
These winds will come from the northwest, allowing colder air to rush into Southwest and Central Virginia. Temperatures will drop throughout the day. Morning temperatures will be in the upper 40s and 50s, but afternoon temperatures will likely be in the 30s and 40s.
The dropping temperatures will allow rain to change to snow along and west of the Blue Ridge. A dusting is possible in some parts of the New River Valley. Higher peaks along the Blue Ridge and the Mountain Empire could receive up to an inch of snowfall. One to four inches of snow is expected for the western slopes of Pocahontas and Highland counties.
Although more sunshine is in the forecast, prepare for a cold and brisk Thursday. Morning lows will be in the sub-freezing 20s, but wind chill values in the single digits may occur along and west of the Blue Ridge. Afternoon temperatures will reach the 30s and lower 40s.
High pressure will keep Southwest and Central Virginia dry and mostly clear on Friday. Morning temperatures will start in the frigid teens and 20s while afternoon highs will be in the 40s.
Skies will become mostly cloudy on Saturday, but dry conditions are expected for much of the day. Morning lows will be in the 20s and afternoon highs will reach the 40s. Another storm system could bring scattered rain showers to the region Saturday night into Sunday.