Richmond, Virginia – A potentially high-impact winter storm is expected to spread across much of Virginia and nearby regions beginning Saturday afternoon, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain combining to create dangerous travel conditions and the risk of widespread, long-lasting power outages through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon for large portions of central, eastern, and north-central Virginia, as well as parts of southeast Maryland and northeast North Carolina. Confidence is increasing in a prolonged period of mixed winter precipitation, with the combination of snow and ice posing a significant threat to infrastructure and transportation.
In Virginia, areas included range from Richmond and surrounding counties—Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, and Caroline—to the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, and Tidewater regions. Communities such as Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Tappahannock, and Emporia could see roads quickly turn slick, especially on bridges and overpasses along Interstates 64, 95, and 295.
Forecasters warn that ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs, combined with snowfall, may lead to widespread outages that could persist for days in some areas. Travel may become hazardous or impossible at times, particularly late Saturday night through Sunday.
Residents are urged to complete preparations before the weekend, avoid unnecessary travel once precipitation begins, and ensure devices are charged and emergency supplies are ready. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as the storm approaches, and hazardous conditions could linger into Monday afternoon.
