ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Southwest and Central Virginia can expect frigid and blustery conditions behind a clipper system on Friday.
The clipper storm system will bring mountain snow showers and gusty northwest winds to the region. Snowfall totals of four to ten inches are expected in northwestern Pocahontas County. Western Highland and Greenbrier counties can anticipate one to six inches of snowfall. Up to three inches of snow may accumulate in western Grayson County.
Little to no snow accumulation is expected elsewhere in areas west of the Blue Ridge. A few spotty rain and snow showers may extend eastward, but not everyone will see precipitation. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s under partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Wind speeds will increase as the clipper system passes through. From Friday afternoon until Saturday morning, a Wind Advisory will be in effect for counties along/west of the Blue Ridge. Wind gusts of 40 – 50 mph are expected.
Saturday will be mostly dry, blustery, and frigid. Morning temperatures will be in the teens and lower 20s, and wind chill values could fall below zero at higher elevations. Afternoon temperatures will reach the upper 20s and lower/middle 30s under mostly to partly sunny skies.
A low-pressure system will impact the Mid-Atlantic Sunday afternoon into Monday. Cold air will be in place at the surface, but warm air aloft will result in a mixed bag of precipitation.
Overall, a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, snow, and rain is anticipated across Southwest and Central Virginia starting Sunday and continuing into Monday. Precipitation types will switch throughout this period. Snowfall totals of up to three inches are possible along and south of U.S. 460. Snowfall totals decrease near the North Carolina/Virginia line. Higher snowfall amounts are expected north of I-64. Up to 0.25″ of ice may accumulate across the region.
Travel impacts are possible late Sunday into Monday. The WFXR Pinpoint Weather Team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.