The National Weather Service has us under a Winter Storm Watch beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday and ending 7 p.m. on Monday. Heavy mixed precipitation is possible with snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between one tenth and three tenths of a inch are possible throughout the region. Power outages and damage to trees are possible due to the ice and travel could be nearly impossible, impacting Monday morning and evening commutes.
Windy conditions will persist today with gusts up to 40 miles per hour west of the Blue Ridge this morning and 30 miles per hour around sunset. East of the Blue Ridge will get gusts up to 30 miles per hour this morning and up to 25 miles per hour through sunset. Low pressure tracks form the southern Plains into the central Appalachians Sunday into Monday with wintry weather for much of the region. Significant ice accumulations look possible with this system, especially across the New River Valley and higher elevations along the Blue Ridge.
For us, there is a 40 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. Sunday, mixing with rain after 4 p.m. accumulating less than half an inch. The chance of rain, snow, and freezing rain is 90 percent Sunday night before 10 p.m. and all freezing rain after 10 p.m. with ice accumulating up to two tenths of an inch and up to half an inch of snow. 80 percent chance of rain before 4 p.m. on Monday then snow with little accumulation expected. The chance of snow Monday evening a 30 percent, ending by 7 p.m.
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.
