ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Friday is the calm before the storm. A chaotic system will impact southwest and central Virginia on Saturday, bringing mixed rain to the region.
Get ready for a frosty start to Friday. Morning temperatures will start out in the 20s and teens below zero, so there may be frost on the windshield. Otherwise, the day will be mostly dry and calm. Afternoon temperatures will reach the cool lower to middle 40s under increasing clouds.
Starting Friday night/early Saturday morning, a storm system will bring widespread rain to Virginia. Rain, sleet, sleet, and snow are all on the table. During the early morning hours, much of the precipitation will fall as snow/sleet. However, the warmer air above will bring rain and a wintry mix as the day continues. The bulk of this storm is scheduled to leave the region before 6 p.m
Currently, there is a greater possibility of snow falling mostly along and north of I-64 in the Allegany Highlands and Shenandoah Valley. The Roanoke Valley, New River Valley and central Virginia will generally see a mix of snow, rain and ice. While some snow is possible in Southside Virginia, more rain and ice is expected from this system.
While this system can be classified as a winter storm, it will not be a major snowstorm. It will be chaotic outside with slippery road conditions expected. Saturday will be a great day to stay warm and safe indoors. If you have to go out, be sure to be extra careful on those roads. Power outages cannot be ruled out.
Mountain snow showers may develop west of the Blue Ridge Sunday morning. Elsewhere, skies are expected to be clear and winds gusty. Morning temperatures will start near the freezing mark, so slick spots are still possible. Afternoon temperatures will be in the 40s.
Monday will be mostly dry with a mix of sun and clouds in the sky. However, another storm system will impact southwest and central Virginia overnight Monday into Tuesday. A brief period of wintry mix is possible early Tuesday morning, but many will see cold rain.
