Jeremy T.K. Farley — February 14, 2016

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Virginia, has issued an “urgent winter weather message” to residents of Southwest Virginia (including Wythe County), North Carolina and Southern West Virginia.

In the message, which was released at 2:22 p.m. on Sunday, the federal agency warned that “a very cold air mass” will remain over the region through Monday.

Forecasters say the disturbance will cause snow throughout the evening and into tomorrow.  This precipitation will eventually turn to a wintry mix sometime Monday afternoon, as warmer air begins to spread into the region from the south.  Weather officials warn that “significant accumulations of winter precipitation are likely.”

According to the weather service, a winter storm warning remains in effect until noon on Tuesday.

Meteorologists predict that snow and sleet accumulation may range from 5 to 10 inches, along with ice accumulations between a tenth and one quarter of an inch, with the highest ice totals occurring along the Blue Ridge.

Local temperatures are expected to range from the single digits into the lower and mid 20s throughout the remainder of the day and tomorrow, rising into the lower and mid 30s by Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service warning stated, “Travel will become dangerous to perhaps impossible in some areas.  Only travel in an emergency.  If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, water, and a blanket in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

Wythe County residents are encouraged to exercise wisdom throughout the winter storm.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Early Monday morning, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Virginia, issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of the New River Valley, including Wythe County.

In a special weather message issued by the federal agency, meteorologists cautioned that “a cold front will cross the region from the west today,” bringing with it the possibility of light to moderate snow; “especially across the higher mountains of North Carolina, far Southwestern Virginia and southeast West Virginia.”

According to a statement released at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, “Arctic air will follow the front with bitter cold temper temperatures expected through midweek.”

Forecasters predict that lingering moisture along with additional air disturbances may result in periods of moderate to heavy snow showers into Wednesday or Thursday. These snow showers may result in additional heavier snow accumulations during the week.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for rain mixed with snow throughout Monday, but believe this precipitation will change to all snow tonight, “with all snow expected for the rest of the week.”

Officials caution that roads will become snow covered and slick.

Monday’s temperatures are expected to remain in the 30s throughout the day, but will drop well below freezing and remain in the teens and 20s for the rest of the week.

Wind chills will become very cold this week, possibly reaching -15F Wednesday night.

County residents are encouraged to continue to monitor weather and traffic reports and to maintain vigilance at all times.

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Water customers who live along Old Bank Road in the community of Speedwell are being warned by county officials to “expect temporary disruptions in water service beginning February 2 through February 4, 2016.”

This disruption in service is a direct result of ongoing road work in the area, aimed at improving State Route 619 (St. Peters Rd.).

Crews will be replacing and relocating waterlines near the intersection of St. Peters Rd. and Old Bank Rd. throughout the middle of this week and the work may create temporary outages.

The VDOT project was listed on the department’s six-year plan and is aimed at making the route safer for motorists, by widening and realigning portions of the road.

“Weather permitting, the work should be completed by Thursday evening,” said Wythe County Water & Waste Water Director Don Crisp.

Crisp advised residents to contact the county’s Water Department at 223-4501 should they have any questions.

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