Virginia Weather: Latest Snow Forecast Puts Up to 3 Inches in Northern Virginia

RICHMOND, VA — Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency across Virginia as forecasters predict up to a foot of snow in southeastern Virginia. A blizzard warning has been issued for Norfolk and surrounding communities, were more than 11 inches of snow could fall.

Areas of Northern Virginia will see up to 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service. In our area, a winter weather advisory has been issued for Fredericksburg, Manassas, Fairfax, Falls Church and Alexandria, as well as communities in and around Spotsylvania, Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax and Arlington counties.

According to forecasters, "swaths of snow" will overspread southern and eastern portions of the D.C. region after midnight. Snow will taper off from the west Saturday morning through early Saturday afternoon.

"Any shift with the storm edge will greatly affect snow totals," according to a weather service statement.

Here's the latest forecasted accumulations from the weather service:

More than 750 trucks are ready to plow and treat state-maintained roads across the 14-county Fredericksburg District once the storm begins, according to a statement by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Crews will work overnight and through the weekend in 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, until all roads are safe for travel.

"Interstate 95, primary roads and secondary roads have been pre-treated with an anti-icing solution, which prevents ice and snow from bonding to the pavement," according to the statement. "However, even with advance treatment, road surfaces will be slick once precipitation arrives."

Crews will re-treat roads as needed to prevent dangerous re-freezing over the next several nights.

What Citizens Should Do:

• Stay off the roads during the storm unless travel is absolutely necessary. If travel is necessary, drive with caution and allow extra space around other vehicles. Let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking and when you expect to arrive so that if something happens while traveling, someone knows where to send assistance.
• Use extreme caution around slow-moving equipment being used to treat roads, such as snow plows.
• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter and is in safe driving condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, cat litter or sand, shovel, flash light and batteries, ice scraper and cell phone charger.
• Bring pets inside from the cold.
• If you have power-dependent medical equipment, make sure all batteries and extra batteries are fully charged. Know where to go if you lose power during or after the storm. If you aren’t sure where to go, dial 2-1-1 for a list of shelters or charging stations that may be open in your area.
• Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours, in case roads are blocked and/or there are power outages.
• Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries for emergency information. Listen to local weather forecasts and instructions from local officials.
• If you need help, information or resources during the storm, call 2-1-1. Those with hearing impairments can call 7-1-1 for the Virginia Relay Center and then call 1-800-230-6977. Out of state or videophone users may also dial 1-800-230-6977 for assistance.
• Download the free Ready Virginia mobile app.
• Download the free VDOT 511 mobile app for updates on road conditions.

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