ROANOKE, Va. – Friday starts with temperatures in the 20s, and that helps set the stage for what’s to come later in the day.
As temperatures rise into the 30s and 40s and a storm system draws closer, we’ll see a brief period of rain develop ahead of colder air.
Snow then begins for most of us west of the Parkway (New River Valley, Roanoke Valley and Highlands) between 2 and 5 p.m. The afternoon and evening commute will likely be impacted in these areas.
Farther east toward Smith Mountain Lake, Lynchburg and Southside, you’ll start with rain before supper time but change to snow between about 5 and 8 p.m.
The roads will continue to be slick and snow-covered throughout the night as snow continues to fall. A band or two of heavier snow east of US-220 will be possible.
By first thing Saturday morning, the snow will have come to an end. Most of us will be measuring about 1 to 3″ of snow. (There may be a select few of us that see slightly less than an inch.)
Temperatures, however, will be in the teens and 20s. Expect slick and covered roads (especially untreated side roads) through Sunday morning.
Strong wind gusts peaking between 30 and 45 mph will begin late Friday night and last at times throughout the day Saturday.
This will lead to bitter cold wind chills during the day Saturday and into Sunday morning. At its worst, it could feel like 0° or below in some of our higher elevations.
Clouds increase Sunday, keeping a lid on temperatures. We’ll only rise into the 30s.
Highs reach the 40s and 50s next week, as the jet stream briefly retreats to the north.
Rain returns late next Wednesday into next Thursday. Colder air returns next Friday and Saturday.