Sunday, December 13, 2009

Patchy Dense Fog Tonight

Patches of dense fog have already developed across the area this evening. Fog will persist through the night and into early tomorrow morning and reduce visibilities below a quarter mile. Use extra caution if you are out on the roads over the next 12 hours! Most of the fog will lift by mid morning tomorrow.

Any Snow Before Christmas?

Probably the most popular question during this time of the year is "Will we see a white Christmas?". I can understand people's excitement over getting snow in the area, however, this is an almost impossible question to answer. Computer data becomes extremely unreliable beyond seven days. Usually we can spot general trends 2 to 3 weeks away, such as temperatures being cooler or warmer than normal. But anyone who tries to pinpoint a storm that far away will only become frustrated!

With all that said, take the following paragraph with a large grain of salt...

The raw computer data has two coastal storms developing over the next couple weeks. The first one is around December 19-20 and the other is around December 24-26. These are our last chances at a white Christmas. I'll be perfectly honest, given the current weather pattern, those chances look pretty slim. Regardless, all you snow lovers out there - keep your fingers crossed!

Rain Totals

On average, metro Richmond and surrounding areas received 1 to 2" of rainfall. Totals were less farther south (roughly .5") near Petersburg and Emporia.

A Flood Warning is in effect for the Appomattox River at Mattoax until Monday night. The river level should drop below flood stage during that time.

Morning Weather Update

Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the western third of the state where temperatures are hovering at or below freezing. At 6 AM, there were reports of freezing rain (rain that freezes once it hits the ground) in Charlottesville and Lynchburg. Temperatures will eventually rise above freezing around 10 AM and the advisory will be lifted.

A wintry mix of rain and sleet (ice pellets) was reported in Tappahannock, Orange and Louisa. Although a few ice pellets will still be possible along and north of I-64, it shouldn't be a major concern because temperatures will remain above freezing.