
HISTORIC TRIANGLE — As winter gets into full swing, the National Weather Service has predicted colder-than-normal temperatures for the Hampton Roads area and the potential for snowfall in the region.
In a hazardous weather outlook alert from Jan. 3, the National Weather Service says that there is potential for wintry precipitation Sunday night into Monday morning.
According to predictions, Sunday night has snow likely falling before 1 a.m. A mix of snow and freezing rain will fall between 1 and 4 a.m. The low is predicted to be 29 degrees. Precipitation will likely be between a quarter and half an inch. Rain will continue on throughout Monday until the afternoon.
Temperatures are predicted to remain in the mid-30s throughout next week.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Friday for the coming winter weather and urged Virginians, visitors and travelers to take proper precautions.
James City County, York County, and City of Williamsburg officials are urging residents to prepare for the potential of hazardous winter weather.
According to officials, the time to prepare is now. Preparations for houses should include checking carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, checking for proper insulation including weather stripping on windows and doors, and ensure additional heating sources in case of power outages.
For those traveling, allow for additional time to arrive at your destination, ensure gas tanks are full, and pay attention to flight delays and cancellations. Make sure vehicles are topped off with antifreeze and wintertime windshield wiper fluid.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management also released information on preparing for winter weather during Winter Weather Awareness Week in early December.
“As we head into winter, it is important to be prepared for winter’s impacts from not only snow and ice, but also from extreme cold as well,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Eric Seymour. “Taking time now to prepare for these weather hazards will allow the impact on our lives to be reduced. From having the proper equipment for traveling in winter weather to properly using alternative heat sources, should the power go out, are things that can be done in advance to make sure the impacts from winter weather can be limited.”
VDOT Warns Motorists to Prepare for Winter Weather
Motorists traveling to or through Virginia this weekend should plan to travel on Saturday ahead of predicted winter weather expected to impact roads Sunday into Monday, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
VDOT noted many of those travelers would returning home from holiday travel or heading back to school.
VDOT said it will continue to pretreat roads in areas across the commonwealth where winter weather is expected, adding with colder temperatures forecasted to remain low throughout and following the storm, hazardous travel conditions are expected.
VDOT recommends not to travel during a winter weather event, however, if travel is essential, it offers the following tips:
- Monitor the forecast for your planned route and limit travel based on roadway conditions.
- Allow more time to reach your destination.
- Drive at lower speeds and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
- Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
- Use caution in locations where pavement freezes first, including bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your car at all times in case of a breakdown or stoppage.
VDOT said it is responsible for snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while all cities and some towns maintain their roads. VDOT may support cities and towns, it added, if requested.
Snow removal priorities are as follows:
- The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s first priority.
- Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow.
- Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available.
Before traveling, motorists can check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov
For the latest weather updates, follow the National Weather Service, York County Office of Emergency Management, James City County Office of Emergency Management, and the City of Williamsburg Office of Emergency Management.