Richmond, Virginia – A high-impact winter storm is poised to create dangerous travel and widespread power outages across much of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic this weekend, as heavy snow in the north collides with potentially devastating ice farther south and west of I-95.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon for nearly the entire forecast area. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all expected, with confidence increasing for significant icing across central and south-central Virginia, especially along and west of I-95 and south of I-64.
Northern portions of the region, including Louisa County, the Northern Neck, and the Eastern Shore, are expected to see the highest snow and sleet totals, with several inches possible before any mixing occurs. Farther south, including Richmond, Petersburg, Farmville, Emporia, and Williamsburg, ice accumulation of a half inch or more could weigh down trees and power lines, leading to outages that may last for days.
VDOT officials warn that roads could become extremely dangerous to nearly impossible from Saturday night into Sunday, particularly on I-95, I-64, U.S. 58, and secondary roads. Residents are urged to complete preparations, avoid travel during the height of the storm, and plan for extended power disruptions.
The storm is expected to linger into Monday morning, and warnings may be upgraded as confidence continues to increase.
