If you live in Virginia or West Virginia, it’s time to get ready—a winter storm is coming, and it’s bringing snow, bitter cold, and dangerous travel conditions starting Wednesday morning and lasting through Thursday. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or just trying to stay warm, expect disruptions. This one isn’t going to be pretty.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Right now, it’s already cold, but things are about to take a turn for the worse. Here’s where temperatures are sitting as of this morning:
- Richmond, VA – 29°F, mostly cloudy
- Roanoke, VA – 28°F, sunny
- Charlottesville, VA – 31°F, partly sunny
- Charleston, WV – 20°F, mostly sunny
- Morgantown, WV – 14°F, mostly sunny
- Huntington, WV – 22°F, mostly cloudy
It might feel chilly now, but by tomorrow, we’ll be dealing with snow-covered roads, icy sidewalks, and wind chills that will make it feel even colder.
When Will It Start, and How Bad Will It Get?
Wednesday (Feb. 19)
- Morning: Light snow starts in western Virginia and eastern West Virginia. Roads could get slick early, especially in shaded areas.
- Afternoon: The snow ramps up, spreading east. If you’re in Richmond, Charlottesville, or Roanoke, expect steady snowfall to start accumulating.
- Evening: This is when things get messy. Snowfall will be heaviest, and temperatures will drop well below freezing, making travel treacherous.
Thursday (Feb. 20)
- Overnight: Snow continues, especially in southern Virginia and West Virginia. Roads will be a slippery mess by morning.
- Morning: If you have to go anywhere, give yourself extra time. Ice-covered roads will make for a rough commute.
- Afternoon: The snow stops, but temperatures stay freezing cold. Anything that melted will refreeze into dangerous black ice.
How Much Snow Are We Talking?
Here’s what you can expect for total snowfall by Thursday morning:
- Richmond, VA – 2 to 4 inches
- Roanoke, VA – 2 to 4 inches
- Charlottesville, VA – 2 to 4 inches
- Charleston, WV – 2 to 4 inches
- Morgantown, WV – Less than 1 inch
- Huntington, WV – 2 to 4 inches
For most areas, this isn’t a blizzard, but it is enough to cause serious travel problems.
Storm Warnings You Need to Know
- Winter Storm Warning – This covers much of central and southern Virginia from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. Expect 3 to 5 inches of snow, making travel hazardous.
- Flood Warning – The James River at Richmond Westham is rising, and some areas may see moderate flooding through Thursday.
- Wind Chill Advisory – Not official yet, but wind chills could drop below -10°F in some places, making frostbite possible in under 30 minutes.
How to Stay Safe
- If you don’t have to go out, don’t. Roads are going to be dangerous, especially Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
- Power outages are possible. Heavy snow and ice could weigh down power lines. Charge your devices now and have extra blankets, flashlights, and food on hand.
- Check on loved ones. The elderly and those without reliable heat may need help. A quick call or visit could make a big difference.
- Watch out for black ice. Just because the snow stops doesn’t mean it’s safe. Ice will linger on roads and sidewalks well into Thursday.
This isn’t the worst storm we’ve seen, but it is serious enough to cause problems. Snow, ice, and freezing cold will make getting around dangerous, and power outages are a possibility.
