Richmond urged to prep for power outages and icy conditions
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The latest snow total projections for Richmond. Image: Courtesy National Weather Service
Local and state officials are urging Richmonders to stay off the roads beginning Saturday night and to prepare for possible widespread power outages ahead of the major winter storm expected to hit this weekend.
Why it matters: What started as a heavy snow forecast for Richmond earlier in the week has morphed into one calling for snow, sleet and freezing rain, per the National Weather Service in Wakefield.
State of play: The region is under a Winter Storm Watch, per the NWS, and Virginia is under a state of emergency, per Gov. Spanberger.
- Officials urge residents to prep before Saturday afternoon by stocking up on essentials — and preparing for power outages.
Here's what else you need to know:
- Richmond will still see snow, a lot of it beginning Saturday. The region now has a 50% chance of getting six inches or more, according to the NWS.
- But more worrying is the 60% chance of "significant freezing rain and ice accumulation" beginning Sunday evening.
What they're saying: "This is not sleet anymore. This is ice sticking to the trees and power lines," NWS meteorologist Jeff Orrock said at a Thursday briefing.
Threat level: The ice, coupled with below freezing temperatures expected to linger into next week, means whatever precipitation Richmond gets, it'll likely stick around.
Dominion Energy is preparing for widespread power outages and mobilizing additional crews to respond, the company said.
- "The greatest concern for power outages is ice accumulation greater than 0.25 inches."
- Locals can report outages and check for updates on Dominion's website.
City officials said at a briefing Thursday that they feel confident that the water plant and its staff are ready for whatever happens this weekend, The Richmonder reports.
Meanwhile, Virginians are advised to stay off the roads from Saturday night through Monday morning, Spanberger said at a Thursday briefing.
- Heads up: It could take VDOT 24 to 48 hours to plow non-main roads after the storm ends, said Virginia Department of Emergency Management coordinator John Scrivani.
- And Richmond airport is advising travelers to check their flight status before they head to the airport.
The bottom line: "It could be a pretty significant event and it's going to be a long duration event," Orrock said.
This story has been updated with additional details about the city water plant preparedness