ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Monday will be the calm before the storm. A storm system will bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain to Southwest and Central Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Monday will start mostly cloudy with temperatures in the cold upper 20s and 30s. Decreasing cloudiness is slated for the afternoon. Highs will be in the seasonably cool 40s.
Widespread mixed winter precipitation is anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday. Due to below-freezing air in place, snow and sleet are expected for Tuesday morning. However, a passing warm front will result in warm air aloft. Freezing rain and rain coverage will increase as the day continues.
Area-wide Winter Storm Warnings will go into effect on Tuesday and Wednesday. The threat of accumulating snow and ice will lead to difficult travel conditions. Ice may weigh down tree branches, resulting in power outages.
Overall, the highest snowfall totals are expected along/north of I-64. Areas south of US 460 could see some accumulating snowfall, but rain and freezing rain will be more of a concern. Ice amounts of 0.10″ – 0.20″ are anticipated. Locally higher ice amounts may occur along the Blue Ridge.
The wintry mix will remain in the forecast through Wednesday, although most of the precipitation will be rain and freezing rain with some sleet mixing in.
Cold rain showers will linger into Thursday morning before tapering off as the day continues. High pressure will build into the area on Friday, leading to quieter weather. For Thursday and Friday, morning lows will be in the lower 30s and 20s. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 30s and 40s.