Leesburg, Virginia – Authorities are warning residents across parts of Virginia and North Carolina to watch for falling ice as temperatures rise following recent winter weather.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office issued a winter safety reminder urging people to “look up” when walking near buildings during cold snaps followed by warming conditions. According to the National Weather Service, sheets of ice can loosen and fall from roofs, gutters, and eaves without warning during thaw cycles.
As daytime temperatures climb into the upper 30s and 40s, ice buildup left behind from snow and freezing rain may begin to detach. This creates a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles parked near buildings, especially in downtown areas, shopping centers, schools, and apartment complexes.
Officials recommend avoiding standing or parking beneath roof overhangs whenever possible and using marked walkways that steer foot traffic away from building edges. The risk is highest during the afternoon, when solar heating accelerates melting.
In Northern Virginia, areas near Virginia Route 7, Route 28, and Route 606 may see increased pedestrian traffic as conditions improve, raising exposure to falling ice hazards. Similar risks extend south into North Carolina communities near Interstate 40, U.S. Route 1, and surrounding urban corridors, where thawing conditions are also developing.
No injuries were immediately reported, but officials emphasized that falling ice can cause serious harm due to weight and speed. Property owners are encouraged to remove ice buildup safely when possible and restrict access to hazardous areas.
Commuters, students, and daytime workers should remain alert when entering or exiting buildings during the warm-up period, particularly after snowstorms.
Safety officials say the hazard will persist until ice fully clears from structures, which may take several days depending on temperatures.
