Winter Storm Watches issued for Thursday

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Flood watches continue along the Dan River with minor flooding expected through late Thursday from recent heavy rains.

A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for areas along the Blue Ridge mountains starting Thursday morning and extending to Thursday night for accumulating snow that may cause travel delays.

TIMING: Rain will enter the region around midday Thursday, possibly earlier in the mountains. As it pulls cold air to the surface, rain will change to snow Thursday afternoon. A quick burst of snow will take place Thursday afternoon through early evening, before tapering off.

LOCATION: Highest snow accumulation will be along and just south of the Roanoke Valley in areas closest to the storm. The higher elevations, toward the Alleghany Highlands and Greenbrier Valley will be on the outer edge of the storm, so lesser amounts are expected.

ACCUMULATIONS:  Generally, the potential for snow accumulations or 1 to 3 inches by late Thursday night.

ROANOKE VALLEY: 2" to 4" starting as rain Thursday afternoon and switching to heavy, wet snow.

NEW RIVER VALLEY: 3" to 6" with highest amounts along the ridgetops.

BEDFORD AND LYNCHBURG: 1" to 3" snow possible through Thursday evening.

A couple things to remember. The ground is soaked and has been very warm. Initial snowfall may melt, but if it comes down heavy enough, it will most certainly accumulate. Temperatures will start in the 40s Thursday then drop some as the colder air arrives.

Keep checking WDBJ7.com as we will be adding to/modifying the website during the day with additional information and graphics.