Major Winter Storm Forecast for Virginia: Impacts Expected Late Sunday to Monday
Virginia is set to experience a major winter storm from late Sunday to Monday, with potential snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain. Initial snowfall may evaporate, transitioning to a mix of weather types, including rain, based on the storm’s path. Drivers should be wary of icy conditions on untreated surfaces, particularly as temperatures remain low throughout the week following the storm.
A significant winter storm is expected to impact Virginia from late Sunday evening through Monday, prompting winter storm watches for central and northern regions of the state. Initial snowfall may evaporate due to dry air but is anticipated to begin accumulating by mid-evening. The forecast predicts a mixture of snow and sleet into Monday morning, transitioning to freezing rain as warmer air arrives. This may lead to a changeover to rain in metropolitan areas, with leftover wintry conditions lingering in northern locales. The trajectory of the storm will significantly influence snowfall amounts, with a mere 50-mile shift potentially altering precipitation types from snow to rain or vice versa.
As the storm progresses eastward by late Monday, forecasters anticipate a drop in temperatures, which would revert precipitation to snow and potentially extend snowfall duration. Drivers should be cautious as untreated surfaces may become icy. Following the storm, dry conditions are expected throughout the week, although temperatures will remain low, causing any melting snow or ice to refreeze overnight and creating persistent icy conditions.
Winter weather phenomena can pose significant challenges, particularly when major storms approach established geographic areas. In the case of Virginia, the region is preparing for a winter storm characterized by snow, sleet, and potential freezing rain. These unpredictable weather patterns are influenced by various atmospheric conditions, including rising warm air and cold fronts, which can drastically alter precipitation forms within short distances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for emergency management and public safety, especially regarding travel and road conditions during severe weather events.
In summary, Virginia is bracing for a substantial winter storm that will influence conditions from late Sunday through the following Monday. With snowfall accumulation expected to transition into sleet and freezing rain, there is potential for hazardous travel conditions, particularly on untreated surfaces. Forecasters urge residents to remain alert for updates and to exercise caution as the weather evolves over the coming days.
Original Source: www.wtvr.com
