Upcoming clipper system on Friday
ROANOKE, Va. – A clipper system is expected to make its presence felt as we move into tomorrow. The night will see an increase in cloud cover, and by daybreak, we might start to see some light flurries or snow showers, particularly in areas like Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties in West Virginia. For those in the Highlands and the New River Valley, including locales such as Hot Springs, Pearisburg, Mountain Lake, Blacksburg, Wytheville, Hillsville, and Galax, be prepared for some snow showers as the morning progresses.
Areas that are slightly warmer (like farther east) may experience a couple of rain showers instead of snow. The activity from this system should begin to subside by early evening., leading to clearing skies as the night progresses. But not before the possibility of a light accumulation of snow in portions of the NRV and Highlands...especially along our border counties with WV south into Grayson Co.
Significant storm system arriving Sunday
As we move into the weekend, a significant storm system is expected to impact our area by mid-Sunday afternoon. The best chance for snow seems to be north of Highway 460 and Interstate 64, where colder conditions persist.
Further south, with slightly warmer air, a quicker shift to a cold rain is possible. Be on alert for ice too, as it could play a pretty prominent role in this late weekend/early next week storm system. The period from Sunday afternoon to midday Monday holds the greatest potential for disruptive weather, possibly impacting school schedules. Slick roads will be possible from late Sunday on.
A Weather Authority Alert Day is in effect from Sunday afternoon through at least midday Monday.
Post-storm conditions and long-term weather
While the main storm should clear out by Monday afternoon or evening, there might still be some wraparound moisture causing light snow showers, particularly on the west slopes. Looking further into next week, expect the weather to dry out with clearer skies as soon as Monday night. However, temperatures are predicted to stay quite chilly, with highs in the upper twenties to lower thirties from Tuesday through Thursday. But at least we will be dry with more sunshine.
For the latest updates, check in with Your Local Weather Authority. This is a fluid situation and the forecast for Sunday/Monday could change...it already has a couple of times. But right now the worst of the weather appears to lie Sunday night.
Stay safe, stay warm, and if you capture any interesting weather photos or videos, don't hesitate to share them with us on Pin It!