Winter Storm Warning Issued for Parts of North Carolina and Virginia Through Monday Night
A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and high winds to Ashe, Watauga, Smyth, and Grayson counties, with up to 12 inches of snow possible in higher elevations.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, VA, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. This alert is in response to a low-pressure system near Cape Hatteras that is expected to strengthen into a major winter storm as it moves north along the East Coast.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions:
- North Carolina: Ashe and Watauga Counties.
- Virginia: Grayson and Smyth Counties.
Specific high-elevation locations mentioned include Beech Mountain, Mount Rogers, and Flattop Mountain.
Expected Conditions
- Snow Accumulations: Total snow accumulations are expected to range from up to 3 inches in lower elevations to between 5 and 12 inches for areas above 3500 feet.
- Wind: Wind gusts could reach as high as 50 mph.
- Visibility: Falling and blowing snow may cause visibilities to drop below 1/4 mile.
- Temperature: Temperatures are forecast to fall into the teens tonight. Combined with the wind, wind chill values are expected to be near zero late tonight and Monday.
Impacts
Roads, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous, making travel very difficult. These conditions are expected to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Additionally, strong winds may result in tree damage.
What You Should Do
Residents are advised to consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should use extreme caution and keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, residents can call 5-1-1.
Timeline
The Winter Storm Warning is effective immediately and remains in effect until midnight EST Monday night (February 24, 2026).
Source: NOAA Official Notice