Archives

VDOT crews continue treating and widening roads so turn lanes can reopen, while also preparing for the dangerously cold weather ahead. VDOT’s Alexis Breeden says crews are working around the clock and making their way toward neighborhoods and secondary roads across the region.

The wind chill on Tuesday morning could be -10.  At the end of the week the high temp could be in the low 20's.   We're entering what Richard Lewelling calls a brutal stretch of weather.  He says below normal temperatures could be around until late next month...that's late February!

VDOT working today to improve conditions on primary roads and high-volume secondary roads.    Kelly Hannon says staying off roads wisll provide space for cress maneuver and restore capacity to major routes.

Precipitation will continue into the evening, with hours of sleet likely giving way to freezing rain. A blast of true cold arrives Monday night. Light snow showers are possible mid‑week, but the good news is there’s no storm expected next weekend.

We’re heading into what The Weather Channel’s Richard Lewelling calls a “full-blown winter situation,” with cold, snow, and ice all lining up for the region. He says 3 to 7 inches of snow begins late Saturday followed by another 2 to 4 inches on Sunday. Lewelling adds another inch is possible Sunday night, with ice becoming a concern starting Sunday afternoon. I

It’s shaping up to be a long, wintry stretch. He says we won't see any kind of warming until later in February!

VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon says crews are preparing for a long storm response. Road pre-treatment began Thursday and will be completed Friday. With ice possible Sunday, tree-clearing crews will also be ready to assist.

Hannon says ice and bitter cold could slow progress, making this a multi-day cleanup. She urges drivers to stay off the roads once the storm begins. VDOT crews will work 12-hour rotating shifts, with all hands on deck until roads are clear.

On Tuesday, when we spoke with The Weather Channel’s Richard Lewelling, the focus was on weather models and computer forecasts. Now those projections are lining up, and he says this could be one for the record books.

Snow is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue through much of Sunday, with the potential for a changeover to sleet or freezing rain for many areas before it ends.

Here’s the latest update…

Stephanie Benson with Columbia Gas of Virginia says now is the time for customers with natural gas service to prepare for the weekend storm. She says make sure furnace vents and gas meters are clear of snow and ice, and to know where gas shutoff valves are located. Benson also recommends checking carbon monoxide detectors, keeping extra batteries on hand, and having a plan in case power outages affect home heating systems.

Benson says taking a few simple steps now can help prevent dangerous situations and keep homes warm and safe during the storm.

columbiagasva.com