Winter Storm Watch Issued for Central and Northern Virginia Starting Sunday Evening

Richmond, VA, will experience sunny yet cold weather today, with a winter storm watch taking effect Sunday evening. Snow, followed by freezing rain, is expected to create hazardous travel conditions from Sunday night through Tuesday morning, with significant accumulations likely in several areas. The weather will remain cold throughout the week, impacting travel safety.

Today in Richmond, Virginia, residents should prepare for sunny, breezy, and cold weather with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 30s. Wind chill will make it feel colder, in the 20s to around 30 degrees. As the night progresses, the skies will remain clear, with low temperatures dropping to between 15 and 20 degrees away from the coastal areas.

On Sunday, sunshine will give way to increasing cloud cover throughout the day, with highs between the upper 30s and lower 40s. A winter storm watch will take effect for central and northern Virginia, starting Sunday evening. Snow is expected to begin, mixing with sleet later in the evening, especially in areas south of Interstate 64. These conditions could lead to hazardous travel due to potential ice and snow accumulation.

The forecast indicates significant precipitation overnight and into Monday morning, transitioning from snow to freezing rain before changing back to snow later on Monday. Accumulations could vary, with predictions suggesting 1 to 3 inches of snow for the metro areas, while regions north of I-64 might see at least 3 inches, and the potential for over 6 inches exists. South of Richmond, lesser accumulations of about 1 to 2 inches are expected.

Traveling conditions will likely worsen due to icy roads, leading to slick surfaces into Tuesday, especially as colder temperatures prevail throughout the week, resulting in highs struggling to break freezing and lows dipping into the teens and twenties. Unattended snow could also freeze overnight, maintaining travel hazards well into the week.

The current weather situation in Richmond, Virginia, reflects a typical winter pattern, with a significant storm system approaching that is anticipated to bring varying forms of precipitation. Understanding the progression from snow to freezing rain and back to snow is critical for residents planning travel or outdoor activities. Accurate forecasts are essential for public safety, as they provide necessary warnings and prepare citizens for potential travel difficulties due to icy conditions that can follow winter storms.

In summary, today’s weather will transition from sunny and breezy to cold, leading into a winter storm that will begin Sunday evening. Residents should be vigilant about the expected snow and ice, which may create hazardous travel conditions, particularly on Monday and into the following week. Continuous updates will be essential as the storm track may change, affecting local accumulation forecasts.

Original Source: www.wtvr.com