The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a winter weather advisory for the Historic Triangle from 4 p.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Monday.
Forecasters said to expect mixed precipitation, with total snow accumulations “of up to two inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze…”
The advisory includes portions of east central, eastern, south central and southeast Virginia.
A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties.
Expect slippery roads and limited visibility, and use caution while driving.
NWS is calling for an 80 percent chance of snow/wintry mix Saturday night; 100 percent chance of rain/sleet Sunday — mostly rain Sunday morning, then back to snow Sunday afternoon.
Sunday calls for highs in the mid-30s and overnight lows in the lower 30s with a 50 percent chance of wintry mix then snow.
Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Saturday in advance of the anticipated effects of winter weather expected this weekend including snow, ice, and high winds throughout much of the state.
A state of emergency allows the state to mobilize resources and to deploy people and equipment to assist in response and recovery efforts. This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, State Police, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia National Guard and other pertinent agencies are already mobilizing and preparing for the impact of this storm, according to the governor’s office.
Between 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected near Washington and in higher elevations where Interstates 64 and 81 intersect in Virginia. Southwest Virginia could see up to 6 inches of snow and Baltimore and western Maryland could receive 3 to 7 inches of snow.
VDOT is advising motorists to monitor the weather and delay unnecessary travel during this time.
Road crews have completed pre-treatment of interstates and primary roadways in affected areas and are staged and ready to go once precipitation starts to fall, according to VDOT.
What you should know:
- Motorists are urged to plan travel around winter weather and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
- Travel is hazardous during winter weather and interferes with snow-clearing operations and emergency services.
- Do not pass snow plows. Remember to give crews room and time to plow roads.
Crews first focus efforts on roads that carry the most traffic, such as interstates and primary roads, followed by major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, and other secondary roads and subdivision streets, VDOT said.
Prior to any travel, check www.511virginia.org for the latest road conditions.
To report weather-related road issues, go to https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ or call 800-FOR-ROADS.
Additional information can be found at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.
Traffic information is also available on Twitter @511statewideVA. For general VDOT information, follow @VaDOT. VDOT’s Facebook page will be updated throughout the storm.
