Rain In Richmond

We initially had a few flurries in Richmond, but it has now changed to light rain. This will eventually change back to snow once temperatures drop a few degrees.

I'm still expecting Richmond and surrounding areas to get around 1" of very slushy snow. The majority of this will accumulate on anything detached from the ground: grassy surfaces, rooftops, cars or your back deck.

Charlottesville

Here is a photo sent in by Ric Barrick of the snow in Charlottesville. He says that the roads are just now starting to get covered. If you are heading west bound on I-64 this evening, be careful!

Be sure to send all photos of snow to weather@wtvr.com

More Reports

Most people seeing the snow say that the flakes are huge!

Bath County:
1" on the ground

Orange County:
.25" on the ground

Charlottesville:
Around 2" on the ground

Snow Reported West & North

There are reports of light snow in Charlottesville, where temperatures are already 32 degrees. Farther west in Staunton, 1.2" of snow has accumulated. Light snow is also falling up north in Fairfax county, where a light dusting is now covering the ground.

You Can Feel It In The Air

Colder air is now moving into the area - thanks to a strong northeast wind gusting up to 25 mph. Isolated rain showers are also crossing the area, especially to the south of I-64. Hit-and-miss light rain showers will be possible for the rest of this evening.

Chance For Snow Tonight

Ok, here is the very latest on what I'm expecting. I'll address the three keys to the forecast again.

1) Temperatures reached the low 60s again today, to the ground is nice and toasty

2) I'm expecting air temperatures to stay in the mid 30s while the snow passes the area early tomorrow morning

3) The track of the storm hasn't changed much. The brunt of the storm should remain off the coast.

With all that said, some snow can still stick on things detached from the ground...for instance your back deck, grassy surfaces or rooftops. It will be slightly colder to the north and west of the metro, where isolated areas could pick up a quick 2" or less. Again, a lot of this will melt as well.

Snow still expected Monday night into Tuesday

I have reviewed the latest data this morning, and I agree with Aaron’s thoughts Sunday night…the system will be close and colder air will move into place for snow falling...but:

1.) I expect surface temperatures to remain above freezing Tuesday morning.

2.) The track of the low pressure system does look like it will remain well off the coast, keeping the highest precipitation at sea.

3.) I do still expect rain to mix with and change over to snowfall overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, but precipitation will be light and melt at the ground because of the warm soil temperatures. Richmond did not dip below freezing Monday morning, and is expected to be mild in the upper 50’s Monday afternoon. Accumulations should be light from this wet snowfall.

4.) There is a chance for flurries in the Commonwealth Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, but those will be hit or miss light snow showers.

By the way, it's Groundhog Day. Will Phil see his shadow? Tune into CBS 6 this morning to find out!
--Carrie