A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service goes into effect at noon today and expires at 7 p.m. on Monday. For the region, a heavy mix of precipitation (1-5 inches with ice accumulations of up to four tenths of an inch) is expected. This significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause scattered and long-lasting power outages. Power outages and tree damage are likely and travel could be nearly impossible during the Monday morning and evening commutes.
A winter storm over the central plains will move east into the Ohio Valley today, then across our region tonight and Monday. Heavy snow is expected from Ohio, into northern West Virginia and northern Virginia. A wintry mix is expected from Kentucky through southern West Virginia, southern Virginia and northwest North Carolina, with mainly rain farther south. All of the precipitation moves out of the area Monday night, except for some lingering mountain snow showers.
For Martinsville, a 60% chance of rain and sleet will start before 4 p.m., then rain, snow, and sleet likely between 4-5 p.m., then a chance of snow and sleet after 5 p.m. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation is expected. There is a 100% chance of rain, snow and freezing rain, possible mixed with sleet, becoming all freezing rain after 11 p.m. with new ice accumulation of less than one-tenth of an inch possible and new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half-inch possible. Monday there is a 90% chance of rain or freezing rain before 10 a.m., then rain between 10 a.m.-4 p.m., then a chance of snow showers after 4 p.m. with new ice accumulation of less than one-tenth of an inch possible and little or no snow accumulation expected. Bitter cold air arrives Monday night and lasts through the work week. The next opportunity for widespread precipitation arrives next weekend.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Winter Storm
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the coming winter weather that will impact all of the Commonwealth this weekend and into early next week, and he is urging Virginians, visitors and travelers to take proper precautions.
“I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecasted to impact Virginia starting Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” said Governor Youngkin. “Given the current projected size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel plans have you leaving Sunday, I encourage you to adjust those plans to leave on Saturday. If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”
Current weather forecasts project an impactful winter event, including snow and freezing rain, beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday. With projected amounts varying across the state, snow along with freezing rain will be significant enough to impact travel across a broad area. The main impacts will occur Sunday afternoon and evening, into Monday.
Bitterly cold temperatures are also expected next week following the winter event with daytime highs potentially remaining below freezing for a good portion of next week. Gale Watches are in effect for Friday night through Saturday along the coast. Winds will decrease Sunday and Monday but increase again later on Monday and Tuesday.
