Weather Forecast for Roanoke

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Mainly snow and possibly sleet along and north of U.S. 460, and snow, sleet and freezing rain south of U.S. 460. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina, central, south central, southwest, and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Winds and weight of snow or ice on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause power outages. Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. You should consider delaying all travel this weekend. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.

...MAJOR WINTER STORM EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND... .A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic. This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday, with the potential for ice Sunday especially south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95. In addition to the high threat for significant snow and ice, very cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week with sub-zero wind chills likely at times. * WHAT...Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible, especially south of Interstate 70. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northern Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely overspread the area by Saturday evening, becoming heavy at times Saturday night with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday, especially south of Interstate 70. Significant icing is possible especially across central Virginia. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning Friday evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Now is the time to make preparations for the storm. This includes getting any necessary groceries or medicines that you may not be able to access this weekend into early next week due to any potential closure. Have an emergency kit in the car including extra batteries, a flashlight, and blanket just in case you get stranded. Make sure to refuel or charge your car before the storm hits. Check on elderly friends, family, and neighbors and don't forget about pets or livestock during this prolonged cold period.