Winter Weather Preparedness Week  November 28 - December 2nd, 2022

Tuesday

Winter Storms affecting Virginia

The most dangerous winter weather systems for Virginia, which can produce major amounts of snow and ice, are strong coastal low pressure systems known as nor'easters.  These types of storms can impact the region a couple times a season and when the temperatures are cold enough, these types of storms can produce big snowfall events.  For example, On January 22 - 23, 2016, the commonwealth was impacted by a nor'easter with heavy snow with some locations in Northern Virginia seeing up to 4 Feet of snow.  At the same time, strong winds along the coast produced near Blizzard Conditions.  The maps below show just how much snow fell with this storm.

    

 

 

Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely dangerous.  The aftermath of a major winter storm can have a devastating impact for days or even weeks. Winter storms can be deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm.  People die in traffic accidents on icy roads, have heart attacks while shoveling snow, or succumb to fires or carbon monoxide while trying to heat their home improperly.  With proper planning and preparation, you can limit or even mitigate the impacts from winter storms. 

Lastly for today, The National Weather Service needs accurate snowfall measurements during winter storms.  Those accurate snowfall measurements help us to adjust continually update the forecast and warnings during the event.  Are you willing to be a snow observer to help the NWS?  Below is graphic that shows you how to take an accurate snow measurement.  Once you have your report, you can send it to your local NWS office in Wakefield, VA by:

 

Measuring Snow

 

Winter infographics