An Alert Day has been declared Sunday & Monday for our region as a potentially disruptive winter weather event is set to impact the area from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. This is to warn of ice accumulation, particularly across the Plateau and Southwest Virginia (SWVA), which could lead to hazardous travel conditions.
What to Expect
The combination of freezing rain and cold temperatures is expected to create icy roads and surfaces, especially during the Sunday evening and Monday morning timeframes. Areas in SWVA are forecast to experience the most significant impact, with travel conditions likely to be dangerous or even impossible in some locations.
Residents are urged to avoid travel in Southwest Virginia on Monday morning, as conditions may remain treacherous until the ice begins to melt later in the day.
Ice Accumulation Forecast
- Valley: Less than 0.10 inches of ice
- Plateau: Up to 0.15 inches, with some areas seeing slightly higher amounts
- Tri-Cities: Between 0.05 and 0.15 inches, mainly near the Tennessee/Virginia border
- Upper SWVA: 0.10 to 0.30 inches – Travel in this area is strongly discouraged.
Potential Impacts
- Roads: Icy and dangerous conditions, especially on untreated surfaces and bridges.
- Power Outages: Ice accumulation on power lines and trees may lead to outages in some areas.
- Commute Disruptions: Monday morning travel is expected to be significantly impacted, especially in SWVA.
How to Prepare
- Limit Travel: Stay off the roads if possible, especially in areas with higher ice accumulation forecasts.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates for changes to the forecast.
- Prepare Your Home: Stock up on essentials, including food, water, and backup power sources in case of outages.
- Plan Ahead: If travel is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and allow extra time.
