Upcoming Winter Storm: Weather Alert for Virginia on Monday and Tuesday
A winter storm is forecasted for Virginia starting Monday night, lasting into Tuesday and possibly Wednesday. Precipitation will include snow, sleet, ice, and rain, impacting travel and requiring schools to consider closures. Air travel will likely be disrupted, and specific snow and ice amounts are yet to be determined. Residents should prepare accordingly.
A weather alert has been issued for Monday night and Tuesday due to a significant winter storm forecast to impact Virginia. The storm will bring various types of precipitation in a specific sequence: snow will start, followed by sleet, freezing rain, and finally rain. Precipitation is expected to begin late Monday night or early Tuesday morning and could persist for approximately 18 to 21 hours, continuing into Wednesday morning.
Travel conditions will deteriorate as roads may become slippery late Monday night or Tuesday morning. On Tuesday, hazardous conditions will escalate with the combination of sleet and freezing rain accumulating over the snow. There is uncertainty about whether the region will receive more snow or ice, but it’s expected that areas like Southside Virginia may see lower amounts than Southwest Virginia, which is predicted to have more ice.
Decisions regarding school closures will be up to individual districts, but many schools may close as a result of the storm. It is possible that closures could extend from Tuesday through Friday. Although Southside schools are projected to receive less severe weather, specific predictions for each district remain unclear at this time.
Air travel is likely to be disrupted, particularly for flights departing from Lynchburg (LYH), Roanoke (ROA), and surrounding areas. Travelers are advised to reschedule any flights booked for Tuesday. In contrast, flights from Charlotte (CLT), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Greensboro (GSO) may still operate, allowing for alternative routes if necessary.
If temperatures remain conducive to snow, expected snowfall could reach 10 to 12 inches; however, due to warmer upper-level conditions, it is anticipated that snowfall will total between 3 to 6 inches in some regions and 1 to 3 inches in Central and Northern Virginia. Given the myriad of factors, specific forecasts will be refined closer to the event.
A winter storm warning involves various types of precipitation, impacting travel and safety. Weather alerts help inform communities of impending conditions, facilitating preparedness. Understanding the timeline and expected conditions, such as snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain, is crucial for public safety. Proper planning for travel and other activities is essential to mitigate risks associated with winter weather events.
With the impending winter storm expected to affect Virginia, residents should prepare for a combination of snow and ice starting Monday night. Travel may become hazardous, with potential school closures and flight cancellations. Predictions will be refined as the event approaches, requiring individuals to stay updated on local forecasts and take necessary precautions.
Original Source: wset.com
