StormTracker8: VIPIR Alert for Snow & Sleet Tomorrow
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – VIPIR ALERT for a winter storm that will approach Central Virginia late Thursday night and last through Friday.
It's another cold morning with temperatures in the 20s and low 30s. Skies are mostly clear, but increasing cloud cover is expected this afternoon and evening. Highs today will be near 50°, a few degrees warmer than yesterday.
A developing winter storm will begin to move in later Thursday night for spreading clouds across the region and then by early Friday morning snow will begin to spread over Central Virginia.
Temperatures in the early morning will be in the mid 20s. Snow is forecast to begin before sunrise. Buildup on roadways is unlikely, but snow is likely to accumulate on porches, decks, and yards. If you do need to drive tomorrow, please be extremely cautious, leave early, and drive slowly. Despite low concern regarding snow on roads, driving could still be dangerous.
Precipitation will wrap up between 6 and 8pm as the system slides further east. Those west of I-95 will see the snow end a bit earlier, and those along the coast will see precipitation the latest. This means that during RVA Illuminates, metro Richmond has the possibility to be dry. If you are planning to attend the festivities, please remember roads could be slick.
Snowfall totals for Central Virginia are forecast to fall anywhere from a dusting to near 3 inches, depending on where you are located. Southeastern portions of the state may see snow in the early morning, but will see this snow transition to mix and rain in the late morning.
Friday night into early Saturday morning, black ice is possible on roads, especially bridges. Please be mindful if you have plans Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon, temperatures are forecast to reach the 40s, well above freezing, so any snow and ice is not expected to hang around for long. Saturday night lows will be slightly below freezing, and Sunday highs will be in the mid 40s. Both days, we will keep partly to mostly cloudy skies.
The start of next week will be cold as we see another frontal boundary pass through the region. Monday and Tuesday highs will be near 40° and we will see a slight warming trend into the middle of next week. Our next frontal boundary and chance for precipitation will be next Thursday.
