Snow Estimates Rise In VA; Winter Storm Warning Issued

Updated at 3:11 p.m.

VIRGINIA — Snowfall estimates have increased for Virginia and a winter storm warning is now in place for the Washington, D.C., region. Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Monday ahead of the storm that the National Weather Service says likely will dump heavy snow and ice on much of the state

Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches are possible for portions of Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, according to the NWS. The winter storm warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Heavy snowfall rates are most likely at mid- or late afternoon, Tuesday, which could affect school and federal government operations both Tuesday and Wednesday, The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said.

"… Some schools may choose to hold classes Tuesday or consider an early dismissal. Federal workers could also be let off work early to avoid a congested and hazardous afternoon and evening commute," the Post said. "Closings are likely to be more widespread Wednesday since the heaviest snow, lowest temperatures and worst road conditions are expected Tuesday night."

With another round of winter weather across the state this week forecasted to bring heavy snow and ice, "I am declaring a state of emergency so we can move resources around the state,” Youngkin said. “I urge all Virginians to monitor your local forecast and to prepare for possible impacts to roadways and infrastructure beginning overnight Monday throughout Tuesday.”

Monday was expected to start out mostly cloudy, becoming gradually sunnier with a high near 45 later in the day, the weather service said.

Accumulating snow, freezing rain, and ice, as well as excessive rainfall, could lead to power outages and hazardous travel conditions, according to the NWS. Temperatures are expected to drop overnight and hang around in the low 30s until Tuesday afternoon, when the snow is expected to begin.

"The first storm from Monday night to Wednesday night will occur as cold air expands farther south and meets up with moisture spreading north from the Gulf," according AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus. "This can lead to accumulating snow that may impact millions from the Plains to the mid-Atlantic states and southern New England, with the potential for significant travel impacts across the big cities in the region from late Tuesday into Tuesday night."

In some areas of Virginia, the storm will start out as wet snowflakes on Tuesday, but the AccuWeather forecast says that will quickly morph into sleet and freezing rain.

"The storm track is expected to shift farther south compared to this past week, increasing the likelihood of all snow rather than mixed precipitation in cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia," AccuWeather said.

The following is the long-range forecast from the National Weather Service.

• Monday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 45. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
• Monday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Tuesday: Snow, mainly after 1pm. High near 35. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
• Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 30. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
• Wednesday: Snow before 1pm, then rain, possibly mixed with snow. High near 37. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Wednesday Night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 7pm. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.
• Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
• Saturday: Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Sunday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

If you must travel during the storm, drivers are reminded to:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
• Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
• Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

Personal Preparedness Actions

• During a winter storm, stay off the roads as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary. Always give snowplows and responders the right of way.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
• Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling.
• When severe weather occurs, plan to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.
• If you must travel, know road conditions before you leave home. Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, check the 511 Virginia mobile app, or call 511 while in Virginia for information on road and traffic conditions.
• Protect yourself from Frostbite. Hands, feet and face are the most commonly affected areas so wear a hat, mittens (which are warmer than gloves) and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
• Keep dry. Change out of wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer or heavy clothing.
• Prepare your home
• Make sure your home is properly insulated
• Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts
• Have additional heat sources on hand in case of a power outages
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
• Replace the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide detector annually
• Prepare your car
• Batteries lose power as temperatures drop, be sure to have yours tested
• Check your car’s antifreeze level
• Have your radiator system serviced
• Replace your car’s windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime mix
• Proactively replace your car’s worn tires and wiper blades
• To help with visibility, clean off your car entirely – including your trunk, roof, windows and headlights
• Please heed warnings to avoid travel. If you absolutely have to be on the roadway, prepare your vehicle and have a kit for you and your passengers. This could include items such as:
• Blankets
• Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
• Boots
• Basic first-aid kit
• Warm coat and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat, socks,)
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Basic set of tools
• Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash
• Items for children such as diapers, baby wipes, toys, etc.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries
• Hand warmers
• Paper map
• Portable smartphone power bank
• Extra medication
• Garbage bags
• Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves
• Shovel

To learn more about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your business for winter weather, visit www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather. For real-time traffic conditions anywhere in the state, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Power Outages

• To report an outage, please contact your service provider
• Check with your provider directly to determine repair schedules
• For more information and tips on what actions to take during a power outage, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Emergency Alerts

These days, emergency alerts can reach you in so many ways–WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) come to your cell phone, EAS (Emergency Alert System) on TV and Radio, NOAA weather radio alerts, mobile apps and more. It’s important to have several different ways you can receive emergency alerts, and to be armed with the knowledge you need before an emergency happens.

• Know the current forecast and get alerted for any watches, warnings, or advisories on the National Weather Service’s website
• Download FEMA app and local news apps for severe weather alerts
• Sign up to receive alerts on your phone, tune in to your local weather station, or listen to your NOAA Weather Radio