Winter storm warning goes into effect Sunday afternoon
Published 9:33 am Sunday, January 5, 2025
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Forecasters with the National Weather Service say a winter storm could move through Virginia. According to the forecast, residents of Suffolk should prepare for mixed precipitation and slick roads. The Winter Weather Advisory issued for the city goes into effect from 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon until 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. Forecasters predict 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice in Suffolk. The forecast says some areas to the north could see accumulations between 5 and 9 inches and ice accumulations around a “light glaze.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency for the commonwealth on Friday in anticipation of the winter storm.
“I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecasted to impact Virginia starting Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said in a press release. “Given the current projected size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel plans have you leaving Sunday, I encourage you to adjust those plans to leave on Saturday. If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”
According to NWS, a Winter Weather Advisory means that a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to create hazardous travel conditions. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant amount of snow, sleet, or ice is expected to cause dangerous travel and power outages. NWS advises anyone who must travel during these times to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle in case of emergency and to call 511 for road information.
In addition to Suffolk, Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect for the following areas: Northampton and Hampton/Poquoson; portions of south central and southeast Virginia, including Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Brunswick, Dinwiddie, and Greensville; and portions of east central, eastern, south central, and southeast Virginia, including Prince George, Charles City, Gloucester, Mathews, Sussex, Surry, James City, Southampton, and Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, York, and Newport News. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Accomack County, Virginia; Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, Inland Worcester, and Maryland Beaches counties; portions of central, east central, eastern, and north central Virginia, including Fluvanna, Goochland, Caroline, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster, New Kent, Middlesex, Louisa, Hanover, Henrico, King William, King and Queen, and Essex; and a portion of central Virginia, including Prince Edward, Cumberland, Amelia, Powhatan, and Chesterfield.