Freezing rain, sleet, and snow all THREATS Saturday and Sunday

Saturday and Sunday remain a FirstWARN Tri-Cities Weather Alert Day for a significant winter storm. One thing that has changed this morning is our confidence is increasing in the risk of freezing rain and sleet mixing in at times especially over NETN.

As of now, we think precipitation will begin as snow Saturday morning, switch to freezing rain and/or sleet Saturday evening and night into Sunday then switch back to snow for the end of the event. Meaningful snow accumulation is still possible especially in Southwest Virginia but meaninging ice accumulations are also becoming possible. More ice would also increase the power outage risk so we are encouraging you to prepare for power outages.

Winter Storm Watches are likely sometime later today or tonight. This is an important time-frame in the forecast so it is critical you stay with us over the next 24-36 hours for the latest forecast updates.

Posted at 11:50 AM Wednesday 1/21/26.