Richmond, Virginia – Virginia remains on edge as persistent cold across the region continues to support the threat of additional snowstorms through mid-February, just days after a massive winter system delivered widespread disruption across much of the eastern United States.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures are expected to persist across Virginia, keeping cold air firmly in place. With that setup, any storm system tracking through the Mid-Atlantic would likely produce snow or wintry precipitation, and longer-range outlooks continue to indicate an active pattern capable of bringing periods of heavy accumulation.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, one of the largest storm systems of the season, which swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern produced heavy snow across portions of western and northern Virginia, particularly along the I-81 corridor and higher elevations of the Blue Ridge, while mixed precipitation and slick conditions affected central and eastern parts of the state. Travel deteriorated rapidly on Interstates 64, 81, and 95, with school disruptions and scattered power issues reported.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Richmond and Northern Virginia to Roanoke, Lynchburg, and the Shenandoah Valley could face renewed impacts if similarly strong systems develop. Virginia Department of Transportation crews warn that repeated winter events can quickly strain road treatment efforts, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures remain well below freezing.
Emergency management officials are encouraging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, stocking winter supplies, and planning for possible travel delays. While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the overall pattern favors continued winter threats. Additional advisories and alerts may be issued as confidence increases, with cold and wintry weather likely remaining a regular concern across Virginia through mid-February.
