Winter Storm Approaches: Major Event or Simple Chaos?

Virginia is preparing for a significant winter storm this weekend, raising concerns about its potential impact. A sizable influx of moisture will be swept up by an upper-level low, colliding with arctic air that is moving southward across much of the central and eastern United States.

Forecast Overview

The storm will not be a narrow band of precipitation; rather, it is expected to affect a large area. Most of Southwest and Southside Virginia could see at least 6 inches of snow, with potential for sleet or freezing rain, particularly closer to the North Carolina border.

Potential Snow Totals

• 6 inches or more of snow likely
• Possible mixed precipitation (sleet/freezing rain)
• First widespread snowfall of a foot or more since December 2018

Type of Storm

This storm is classified as an overrunning setup, differing from the more typical Miller A storms, which generally bring snow from low-pressure systems along the Gulf Coast. An inland low-pressure system will likely track along the East Coast, contributing to a potentially complex mix of precipitation types.

Implications of a Wintry Mix

• Snow totals could decrease if sleet or freezing rain occurs.
• Sleet collects like snow but weighs less, typically only measuring around an inch.
• Freezing rain creates a layer that may not contribute to snowfall totals while adding weight to the snowpack.

Regional Impact

The winter storm’s path indicates that the northern areas of the coverage region might escape the worst effects of sleet and freezing rain. However, the southern half may experience these conditions, leading to varied snowfall across the region.

Temperature Conditions

Temperatures are forecasted to remain in the teens and 20s, meaning any precipitation will likely lead to hazardous road conditions.

Weighing Predictions

The region has experienced few winter storms that qualify as a “big one,” defined as receiving 12 inches or more of snow over at least 50 percent of the area. Since 2018, winter weather has been less intense, although there have been notable exceptions.

As the storm approaches, further updates will be provided to help residents prepare for this potentially impactful winter weather event. Observers should stay tuned for new forecasts leading up to the weekend.