Mother Nature has another “gotcha” for the weather-beaten residents of our area and other parts of the country.

In a strong “winter storm warning, ” the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg lays it out:

Action Recommended

Make preparations per the instructions

Issued By

Roanoke/Blacksburg – VA, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina and south central, southwest, and west central Virginia

Description

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST MONDAY… WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 4 inches and ice accumulations between one quarter and one half of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. WHERE…Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina and south central, southwest, and west central Virginia. WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Monday. IMPACTS…Roads will become slick and hazardous. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Travel could be nearly impossible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Consider delaying all travel. 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.

We had a reasonably sunny day Friday for a trip to Roanoke for needed eye surgery, but temperatures dropped quickly on the drive home in the evening.

If you can, avoid going out this weekend.