Alert archive / Virginia / Winter Storm Watches in 2021

Winter Storm Watch 2, NWS Blacksburg, VA

January 29, 202137 counties in Virginia; 4 counties in West Virginia; 9 counties in North Carolina

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this winter storm watch at Jan 29, 2021, 3:12 PM EST for 37 counties in Virginia; 4 counties in West Virginia; 9 counties in North Carolina. It took effect at Jan 30, 2021, 10:00 PM EST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 29, 2021, 3:12 PM EST (20:12 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 30, 2021, 10:00 PM EST
Expired
Jan 30, 2021, 5:19 AM EST
In force
Issued by
NWS Blacksburg, VA
All 50 counties

Alleghany County, NC, Ashe County, NC, Caswell County, NC, Rockingham County, NC, Stokes County, NC, Surry County, NC, Watauga County, NC, Wilkes County, NC, Yadkin County, NC, Alleghany County, VA, Amherst County, VA, Appomattox County, VA, Bath County, VA, Bedford County, VA, Bland County, VA, Botetourt County, VA, Buckingham County, VA, Campbell County, VA, Carroll County, VA, Charlotte County, VA, City of Buena Vista, VA, City of Covington, VA, City of Danville, VA, City of Galax, VA, City of Lexington, VA, City of Lynchburg, VA, City of Martinsville, VA, City of Radford, VA, City of Roanoke, VA, City of Salem, VA, Craig County, VA, Floyd County, VA, Franklin County, VA, Giles County, VA, Grayson County, VA, Halifax County, VA, Henry County, VA, Montgomery County, VA, Patrick County, VA, Pittsylvania County, VA, Pulaski County, VA, Roanoke County, VA, Rockbridge County, VA, Smyth County, VA, Tazewell County, VA, Wythe County, VA, Greenbrier County, WV, Mercer County, WV, Monroe County, WV, Summers County, WV

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 11 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:19 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Roanoke, VA (KRNK), launched 12:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 61 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Roanoke, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Roanoke, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -49 square meters per square second.1939587897117136Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1288 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
79 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-49 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
53 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

456 
WWUS41 KRNK 292012
WSWRNK

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
312 PM EST Fri Jan 29 2021

...Wintry Mix LIkely Saturday Night through Sunday...

.A winter storm will impact the region beginning Saturday night
through at least Sunday night. Precipitation will change from
snow, to sleet, to freezing rain, and possibly back to snow or
rain throughout the event. This wintry mix will make travel 
difficult and dangerous. 

NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-
WVZ042>044-507-508-300800-
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-
Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Danbury, 
Eden, Yanceyville, Boone, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Tazewell, 
Marion, Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, 
Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, Volney, Galax, 
Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, 
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, 
Rocky Mount, Amherst, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, 
Appomattox, South Boston, Keysville, Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, 
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo, 
and Rainelle
312 PM EST Fri Jan 29 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow
  accumulations of up to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a 
  light glaze possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west 
  central Virginia, north central and northwest North Carolina 
  and southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow...sleet...or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

SHH
2 follow-up statements
447 
WWUS41 KRNK 300247
WSWRNK

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
947 PM EST Fri Jan 29 2021

...Wintry Mix Likely Saturday Night through Sunday...

.A winter storm will impact the region beginning Saturday night
through Sunday night. Precipitation will change from snow, to 
sleet, to freezing rain, and possibly back to snow or rain 
throughout the event. This wintry mix will make travel difficult 
and dangerous.

NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-
WVZ042>044-507-508-301100-
/O.CON.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-
Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Danbury, 
Eden, Yanceyville, Boone, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Tazewell, 
Marion, Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, 
Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, Volney, Galax, 
Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, 
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, 
Rocky Mount, Amherst, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, 
Appomattox, South Boston, Keysville, Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, 
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo, 
and Rainelle
947 PM EST Fri Jan 29 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING
THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to a
  tenth of an inch will be possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west 
  central Virginia, north central and northwest North Carolina 
  and southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow...sleet...or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
048 
WWUS41 KRNK 301019
WSWRNK

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...Significant Wintry Mix Tonight Through Sunday...

.A winter storm will impact the region beginning tonight and
continuing through Sunday. Precipitation will begin as snow, then 
change to sleet and freezing rain. This wintry mix will make 
travel difficult and potentially dangerous.

NCZ003>006-019-020-VAZ043-044-058-059-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.W.0003.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Dobson, Danbury, Eden, Yanceyville, 
Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Martinsville, Danville, South Boston, 
and Keysville
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and sleet tonight, changing to freezing rain Sunday.
  Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice 
  accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of south central Virginia and north central 
  and northwest North Carolina...near the State Line.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Prepare for power
  outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures will remain near freezing.
  This will allow ice to accumulate on trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

VAZ010>014-016-017-032-033-WVZ042-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.W.0003.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Carroll-Floyd-Patrick-
Franklin-Mercer-
Including the cities of Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, 
Pulaski, Blacksburg, Galax, Floyd, Stuart, Rocky Mount, 
and Bluefield
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
  accumulations of 2 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of up to 
  one tenth of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Virginia and 
  southeast West Virginia...including the New River Valley.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Prepare for power
  outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures will remain near freezing.
  This will allow ice to accumulate on trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

VAZ018>020-022>024-034-035-WVZ043-044-507-508-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.W.0003.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-
Amherst-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, 
Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, 
Amherst, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, 
Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 4 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of up to 
  one tenth of an inch.

* WHERE...The Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia, Virginia
  Highlands, Roanoke and southern Shenandoah Valleys, including 
  the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Peaks of Otter north to 
  Montebello. 

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Prepare for power
  outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures are expected to remain below
  freezing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

VAZ045>047-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.W.0003.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Including the cities of Lynchburg and Appomattox
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet 
  accumulations of 3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of one 
  tenth to two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...Campbell, Appomattox and Buckingham Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Prepare for power
  outages. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures will remain near freezing.
  This will allow ice to accumulate on trees and power lines.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.W.0003.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 
Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, and Volney
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
  accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of around 
  two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...In Virginia, Grayson County. In North Carolina, Ashe, 
  Alleghany NC and Watauga Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Prepare for power
  outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures will remain near freezing.
  This will allow ice to accumulate on trees and power lines.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

VAZ007-009-301830-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WS.A.0002.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.WW.Y.0009.210131T0300Z-210201T0300Z/
Tazewell-Smyth-
Including the cities of Tazewell and Marion
519 AM EST Sat Jan 30 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
10 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations
  of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...Tazewell and Smyth Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect temperatures near freezing tonight,
  but warming above freezing Sunday afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow...sleet...or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities...and use caution while
driving. 

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at...1...866...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in Virginia, 2021Winter Storm Watches in North Carolina, 2021Winter Storm Watches in West Virginia, 2021Every winter storm watch in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.