Weather Update 5:15 PM

Rain showers have now overspread the entire area. Winter Storm Warning (Pink) and Winter Weather Advisories (Purple) are still in effect for communities to the west. In fact, there have been reports of freezing rain in Lynchburg and Roanoke, light snow in Blacksburg and mixed precip in Louisa and Dublin.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. this afternoon through 1 p.m. Friday for the pink counties highlighted on this map. This is where an accumulation of 1"-2" of a sleet/snow mix may occur, with icing up to a quarter-inch. A winter mix of precipitation is also likely in the Winter Weather Advisory area. Precipitation will begin as a mix of freezing rain and sleet, before also including snow on Friday.
Elsewhere in Central Virginia, a cold rain event is likely, but a few flakes may mix in with the rain on Friday afternoon in the Richmond metro area. However, temperatures are expected to stay a little above freezing, limiting any significant accumulations or icing problems.

Winter Storm Watch in Effect

A winter storm watch is in effect for western parts of the state from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. A mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain will be likely in the watch area, with significant accumulations possible. Freezing rain and sleet will be the primary mode of precipitation for the southern half of the watch area, with sleet and snow more likely farther north.