Black Ice Threat Prompts Overnight Travel Warning Across Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina Mountain Regions

BLACKSBURG, VA – Drivers across southwest Virginia, southeast West Virginia, and northwest North Carolina are being urged to prepare for dangerous overnight travel as freezing temperatures and lingering moisture set the stage for widespread black ice. The National Weather Service office in Blacksburg reports that temperatures will remain at or below freezing through Saturday morning, increasing the threat of refreezing on untreated surfaces throughout the region.

Forecasters note that moisture left behind from Friday’s partial snowmelt will be quick to freeze as temperatures drop overnight. This creates ideal conditions for transparent, hard-to-see black ice, particularly on rural mountain roads, steep grades, and shaded valleys where cold air settles quickly after sunset.

Mountain Communities Across Three States at Highest Risk

The advisory covers a large portion of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge regions, including Roanoke, Blacksburg, Bluefield, Boone, Wilkesboro, Bedford, Lewisburg, and Lexington, along with roadways across the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Highlands. These areas are especially vulnerable due to elevation changes, winding terrain, and rapid temperature drops commonly seen in late-night and early-morning hours.

Officials warn that drivers may encounter icy patches even where roadways appear wet. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are expected to freeze first, creating sudden slick spots that can lead to loss of vehicle control. For residents traveling across mountain passes between Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, extra caution is strongly advised.

Fog Expected to Reduce Visibility for Early Morning Commuters

In addition to icy surfaces, patchy fog is likely to form overnight, further complicating travel by reducing visibility during the early morning commute. Fog combined with black ice makes conditions particularly dangerous, as drivers may not see slick areas until it’s too late to react safely.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or quick acceleration, especially while traveling downhill or approaching intersections. Early-morning travelers should plan for extra time and check updated weather and road conditions before heading out.

Improvement Expected by Late Saturday Morning

Temperatures are expected to gradually climb above freezing by late Saturday morning, allowing icy surfaces to melt and fog to lift. While conditions will improve through midday, the hours before sunrise remain the highest risk period for accidents and slide-offs.

Residents across these three states are encouraged to stay weather-aware and anticipate rapidly changing conditions overnight as the freeze sets in.

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