Another Snow Fact

We are now way above the average snowfall for an ENTIRE snow season. Pretty impressive!

Interesting Snow Fact

I found this interesting fact from the National Weather Service in Wakefield. Climatologically speaking, the best chances at seeing snow in Richmond happens to be in late January and early February. So yesterday's storm arrived right on schedule!

Winter Storm Update 11PM Sat

Periods of light to moderate snow will continue overnight as the backside of the storm swings across the Commonwealth. This could lead to an additional inch or two, putting widespread totals 8" to 14" in Central Virginia. The record snowfall to beat for January 30 at Richmond International Airport is 9.0" from 1930. As of 7:30 p.m. Saturday, RIC officially recorded 7.0", but the snow continued to fall after this time. A new official reading will come in after midnight. Temperatures will climb to around freezing on Sunday with sunny skies.

5 pm storm total

5 pm

Totals So Far

Here are just a few reports coming into the Storm Center...

2 pm part 2

2 pm

11 am part two

11 am

10 am part 3

10 am part two

10 am

9 am part 3

9 am part 2

9 am

8 am part two

8 am

7 am

Winter Storm Update 5 AM Saturday

Light to moderate snow is expanding northeast through Central Virginia early Saturday morning. In Richmond at 5 a.m., a light dusting of snow is already covering cars, roads, and grassy surfaces. Snow will increase in intensity after sunrise, leading to snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour, especially for the southern half of Virginia. We will provide extended snowfall coverage on CBS 6 this morning starting at 6 a.m. Be sure to tune in!

Winter Storm Update Friday Mid-Day

Part of the Winter Storm Watch in northern Virgina has been replaced with a Winter Weather Advisory, where snowfall is expected to accumulate up to 6", including into the rest of the Watch area. The Middle Peninsula is expected to receive 6" to 9" of snow, with higher totals for Hampton Roads. Locations in the Winter Storm Warning are expected to receive the highest snowfall accumulations, increasing as you go farther south toward the North Carolina border. Much of this region could see snowfall of a foot to 15" after midnight tonight through late Saturday night. Snow is expected to move into Central Virginia from the southwest overnight, beginning as light snowfall. However, intensity is expected to rapidly increase during the day Saturday as the low-pressure system tracks closer to Virginia. Snow will fall heavily through the day before gradually diminishing late Saturday night. Only a few flurries may linger in eastern Virginia by dawn Sunday. This snow is expected to be a light, fluffy snow. We'll be on-air providing extended weather coverage Saturday morning at 6 a.m. and keep you updated through the day on the winter storm. Stay With CBS 6, We'll Keep You Ahead Of The Storm.

Winter Storm Warning

The Winter Storm Watch for the southern half of Virginia has been replaced with a Winter Storm Warning early this Friday morning. The Warning's time frame is 7 p.m. Friday through 1 a.m. Sunday. Snow is expected to begin falling late Friday night in Central Virginia and become heavy on Saturday leading to significant snowfall accumulations. In the Warning area, snowfall totals could exceed a foot, especially south of Farmville and Petersburg to the North Carolina border.

Weather Update 4:56 PM

Most of our area is now in the Winter Storm Watch. The counties shaded in pink to the south are under a Winter Storm Warning. Zach will have the latest snow accumulation forecast for this evening's newscast and we will have more updates here shortly.

Winter Storm Watch

An approaching winter storm will bring accumulating snow to much of Central Virginia, with expected totals in the watch area to run at least from 3" to 8", with higher totals possible in southern Virginia. The Watch is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, when snow will be falling in the state. Much colder air is expected to move into Virginia Thursday night from the northwest, placing a deep layer of cold air over the region which will allow for precipitation on Friday and Saturday to fall as snow only. Tune into CBS 6 for the latest on possible accumulations!
This storm will not just be a big event for parts of Virginia, but a major winter storm to our west. Check out the swath of winter weather advisories, watches, and warnings stretching from Arizona to Virginia:

James River Update Wednesday Noon

The James River levels appear to be maxed out as of mid-day Wednesday. Levels should begin to drop this afternoon, and fall below flood stage at Westham site near the Huguenot Bridge by 7 a.m. Friday:

The James should fall below flood stage at the Locks site near Downtown on Thursday morning:

James River In Richmond Peaking

Early Wednesday morning, the James River in Richmond is peaking after heavy rains earlier this week sent a flood of runoff downstream into Central Virginia. At the Westham site, the river is topping out at 17.56 feet as of 4:30 a.m., which lies within the moderate flood stage. The James should be back below flood stage at this location by 7 a.m. Thursday.

Here is a map of the Westham site's location, which is near the Huguenot Bridge:

A little farther downstream at the Locks station, the river will remain in the minor flood stage category, peaking somewhere between 15.2 feet and 15.9 feet. this morning. The James will fall below flood stage at this site also by 7 a.m. Thursday.

Here is a map of the location of the Locks site:

James River Flood Update Noon Tue

The James River in Richmond continues to rise above flood stage mid-day Tuesday, with Flood Warnings remaining in effect until Thursday.
Upstream at the Cartersville gauge, the James is nearly at its peak for this flood event, with moderate flooding expected to top out at 24.2 ft.

The next site downstream is at Richmond Westham, which just crossed moderate stage flooding at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Cresting should occur at 1 a.m. Wednesday, then fall below flood stage by 7 a.m. Thursday.

The final stop on our trip downstream is at Richmond Locks, which should remain below moderate flood stage, cresting around 1 a.m. Wednesday at 15.4 feet.

These expected crests are lower than initially indicated. We'll continue to provide updates on WTVR.com on the flooding along the James through Wednesday.

Flood Warnings Extended

The Flood Warnings along the James River in Central Virginia have been extended at least into Thursday evening. At Richmond Westham at 7:30 a.m. the river stage was at 14.6 feet., above flood stage. The river is expected to crest this afternoon near 19.0 feet, flooding the C&O railroad tracks and producing moderate flooding in this area.
At Richmond Locks around 7 a.m. Tuesday the river stage was at 8.8 feet, above flood stage. The river is expected to rise through today to a crest (peak level) of 18.8 feet by late this afternoon. Minor flooding is expected to occur at this location, but it will be very close to the moderate flood stage level of 19.0 feet, when Brander Street is closed as a result of the river rise.

River levels should fall back below flood stage Thursday at these locations.

Flood Warnings Update Tuesday Morning

River levels will rise along the James in the Richmond Metro as runoff from 2" to 4" of rain in western Virginia heads downstream after Sunday night and Monday morning's heavy downpours. Here is a look upstream from Richmond at the Cartersville station as of early Tuesday morning:
The blue line is the measured river level, the green is the forecast river level.
Looking farther downstream into the metro, here is the Westham station:
And also at Richmond Locks:

Rain Totals & Flood Warnings

These are some of the pinpoint rain totals in Central Virginia, but totals are 2" to 4" widespread in western Virginia where Flood Warnings are in effect. Of course, the James River in the Richmond area will also rise in response to the runoff tracking downstream, but major flooding issues are not expected along the James in the Metro.

Here are some other rain totals coming into us at CBS 6:
Near West End 1.05"
Newland 1.0"
Louisa 0.9"
Reedville 0.7"

Update 8:40 AM

Flooding continues to be a problem in parts of Virginia Monday morning after heavy rain fell overnight. Here are some of the reports coming in this morning:
*Charlottesville: Browns Gap Turnpike at Three Notch Road closed due to flooding. Flooding is ongoing throughout Albemarle Co.
*Orange Co.: Trees down countywide after non-severe wind gusts blew over rain-soaked tree root systems.
*3 NNE Sperryville (Rappahannock Co.): Flooding at Covington River after 4.05" of rain. 1.07" fell between 7 and 8 a.m. Monday.
*Widespread flooded roads in and around Staunton, where water rescues are ongoing this morning. More than 4" of rain fell.
*Campbell Co: Six roads are closed across the county due to flooding, making the following roads impassable: Rocky Road, Wisecarver Road, Stage Road, and Route 678 West.
*Pittsylvania Co.: 15 roads closed across the county because of flooding.
*Appomattox Co.: Mudslide near Concord, and water is flowing over Highway 460. State Route 667 is washed out from flood waters 4 NE of Concord. Flooding is also ongoingn along State Route 605.
*Buckingham Co.: Many trees down after rains soaked root-systems. Non-severe wind gusts were enough to blow these soggy trees over.
*Fauquier Co.: 1 SW of Ada, Crest Hill Road at Hume Road is closed due to flooding.
*Frederick Co.: Indian Hollow Road at Gainesboro closed due to high water. One-lane bridge closed along Old Charles Town Road due to high water about 7 NE of Winchester.
*Loudoun Co.: Numerous trees down across the county, including in Leesburg, Sterling, Lovettsville, Round Hill, and Hamilton.
*Staunton area: 15-20 roads remain closed this morning after heavy rainfall.

Here are some of the rain totals, the highest being in west and southwest Virginia:
Glasgow 7.14"
Roanoke 2.84"
Bedford 2.53"
Lynchburg 2.42"
Buena Vista 2.40"
Appomattox 1.40"
Tazewell 1.25"
Danville 1.11"
Bland 1.06"

Update 6 AM

Scattered showers and some downpours will continue to be possible through the morning, with a chance for showers lingering into the evening as well. But the widespread, heaviest rain has moved through most of the state overnight, producing 1" to 3" in western parts of the state where flooding has been a problem this Monday morning. Many roads are experiencing flooding in the Flash Flood Warning counties. Here are some of the reports:
*Butler Store Road closed at Low Water Bridge due to high water 2 NW Rixeyville in Culpeper Co.
*4 FT of water on Ivy Road and Old Icy Road 1 WNW Charlottesville in Albemarle Co.
*McIntire Road and Harris Street under 2 FT of water in the City of Charlottesville
*Plank Road closed due to high water in North Garden in Albemarle Co.
*Flooding across the Sherando and Bat Creek areas in Augusta Co.
*15 to 20 roads in the Staunton area closed because of flooding, including many of the major roads.
*Widespread trees down in Buckingham Co. as a result of wet root systems blowing over in non-severe wind gusts.

Weather Update 9:40 PM

The heaviest rain will move into our area after midnight tonight with isolated thunderstorms possible. The best chances for any severe weather will stay in the southern third of the state. Although instability is limited, the shear is very strong. An isolated weak tornado could quickly develop in the strongest storms tonight, so we will be here in the Storm Center keeping a close eye to radar.

Good Soaking Headed This Way

It looks like this next storm could dump 1 to 2" in our area with even higher amounts expected in the mountains to the west. For this reason, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Monday morning for areas to the west.

Winter Weather Winding Down

All Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have expired in Virginia. Cold rain will linger through much of the afternoon in Central Virginia. A few wet snowflakes may mix in at times, but no accumulation will occur as temperatures at the surface remain above freezing. Rain and drizzle will end across the area after sunset.

Noon Weather Update

The Winter Storm Warning has expired in western Virginia, as precipitation is ending mid-day Friday. The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. for west-central and northwest Virginia where a light winter mix is still falling.

Winter Weather Update

The Winter Storm Warning has been allowed to expire early for parts of west-central Virginia, where Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 1 p.m. in purple. The Warning in pink does continue for parts of west and southwest Virginia until 1 p.m. this afternoon. Light freezing rain and sleet will be the primary precipitation mode until early this afternoon. A few snowflakes may mix in later this afternoon as precipitation winds down.
Here are the rain totals through 11 a.m. Friday since our rounds of rain began on Wednesday:

Storm Total Ice:
Pizarro (Floyd Co.) 0.50"
Sylvatus (Carroll Co.) 0.38"
Wytheville (Wythe Co.) 0.30"
Pilot (Montgomery Co.) 0.28"
Buena Vista 0.25"
Highland (Pulaski Co.) 0.25"
Fairfield (Rockbridge Co.) 0.25"
Little Creek (Bland Co.) 0.25"
Paint Bank (Craig Co.) 0.25"
Munford (Botetourt Co.) 0.15"
Backbone (Alleghany Co.) 0.15"
Lexington 0.10"
Hot Springs (Bath Co.) 0.10"
Greenville (Augusta Co.) Trace
Grottoes (Rockingham Co.) Trace

Snow Totals:
Sperryville (Rappahannock Co.) 1.0"
Stephens City (Frederick Co.) 0.7"
Haywood (Madison Co.) 0.5"
Opal (Fauquier Co.) 0.2"
Massanutten (Rockingham Co.) 0.2"
Dulles International Airport (Loudoun Co.) 0.1"

Friday Morning Update 7AM

Periods of rain will continue through mid-day in Central Virginia, where temperatures remain above freezing at the ground and in a deep enough layer above the surface to support only rain as the precipitation mode. The Winter Storm Warning and Advisory remain in effect in western parts of the state, though, where icy conditions have developed overnight. A mix of rain, sleet, and snow is possible in the warned area into early this afternoon.

Snow Totals:
Sperryville (Rappahannock Co.) 1.0"
Stephens City (Frederick Co.) 0.7"
Haywood (Madison Co.) 0.5"
Opal (Fauquier Co.) 0.2"
Massanutten (Rockingham Co.) 0.2"
Dulles International Airport (Loudoun Co.) 0.1"

Ice Totals:
Pilot (Montgomery Co.) 0.28"
Greenville (Augusta Co.) Trace
Grottoes (Rockingham Co.) Trace

Weather Update 5:15 PM

Rain showers have now overspread the entire area. Winter Storm Warning (Pink) and Winter Weather Advisories (Purple) are still in effect for communities to the west. In fact, there have been reports of freezing rain in Lynchburg and Roanoke, light snow in Blacksburg and mixed precip in Louisa and Dublin.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. this afternoon through 1 p.m. Friday for the pink counties highlighted on this map. This is where an accumulation of 1"-2" of a sleet/snow mix may occur, with icing up to a quarter-inch. A winter mix of precipitation is also likely in the Winter Weather Advisory area. Precipitation will begin as a mix of freezing rain and sleet, before also including snow on Friday.
Elsewhere in Central Virginia, a cold rain event is likely, but a few flakes may mix in with the rain on Friday afternoon in the Richmond metro area. However, temperatures are expected to stay a little above freezing, limiting any significant accumulations or icing problems.

Winter Storm Watch in Effect

A winter storm watch is in effect for western parts of the state from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. A mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain will be likely in the watch area, with significant accumulations possible. Freezing rain and sleet will be the primary mode of precipitation for the southern half of the watch area, with sleet and snow more likely farther north.

Series Of Storms

A series of storms have been tracking eastward through the U.S. after slamming into the West Coast and dumping large amounts of rain and snow in a short period of time. Parts of California have received nearly 7" of rain through Wednesday morning, with more coming down today and tomorrow. Severe weather even accompanied yesterday's storm with several small tornadoes reported in Southern California. Snow totals in the mountains of California are greater than two feet and climbing. Each of these storms will bring Central Virginia an opportunity for precipitation later Wednesday through Friday, and again later Sunday into Monday.

A cold front moved through most of the state early Wednesday, bringing cooler temperatures to the Mid-Atlantic. Here is a look at the mid-day Wednesday surface map, where you can see the three low pressure systems in the Plains, the Rockies, and the West Coast:

Surface high pressure will slide southward over New England the next couple of days, keeping the cooler air funneling into Central Virginia. This can create a layer of sub-freezing air near the ground which allows rain falling into the layer to freeze as sleet. Northern and Western Virginia will have the highest chance for this wintry mix early Thursday and again on Friday while moisture from the approaching upper storm overspreads the region. Our rain chances later Wednesday through Friday will result from the first and second storms tracking eastward. Storm #3, which is currently slamming into California, will bring an opportunity for heavy rain in Virginia later Sunday into Monday. Strong southerly flow at all levels ahead of that storm should bring much milder temperatures surging back into the state, keeping the precipitation as just rain.

Snow Nearly Gone In Virginia

Snow pack lingered for a month in western parts of Virginia after the mid-December snowstorm and other more minor snow events. But after several days of milder weather, plus rain on Sunday, much of the snow has finally disappeared in the mountains. This is a look at the current snow depth in our region.


Compare this to what snow depth was just ten days ago after a dusting of snow in Central Virginia added to snow pack left over in many places from December:

Western and north-central parts of the state will have the potential for a winter mix Thursday and Friday as a storm system approaches from the west. Colder air will already be in place in the region after a cold front moves through late Tuesday night into early Wednesday. In much of Central Virginia, though, it appears that rain is the likely precipitation mode with slightly warmer temperatures expected.

Rain Totals From Sunday

Sunday was definitely a wet one in all of Central Virginia while a low pressure system tracked over the state. Rain totals ranged 0.5" to 1.5" in the area, accounting for most of January's precipitation totals to date.
Richmond International Airport recorded 1.23" which set a new record rainfall for January 17th. The previous record was 1.11" set in 1978.
Another storm system will track through the region Thursday and Friday, bringing a round of rain. It does appear, though, that the higher rain totals will be to our south into the Carolinas and Georgia.

Thunderstorms In Southeast VA

A few strong thunderstorms have popped up to the southeast. These will move up into the Middle Peninsula and parts of the Northern Neck over the next hour. These storms will not affect central Virginia, though light to moderate rain will be possible until 9 PM.

Wet This Morning

Rain will continue for the next few hours and will be heavy at times. Showers will become more widely scattered later this afternoon and evening. There is still a chance for isolated thunderstorms between 4 and 9 PM for the southeastern corner of the state. I will track this scenario later in the afternoon and have another update.

Thunderstorms Tomorrow?

Rain will overspread the area tonight and persist through the first half of tomorrow. Hit-and-miss showers will then linger into the afternoon and evening. During this time period one or two thunderstorms could develop in the far southeast corner of the state. The surface low will drag in some relatively humid air...dew points could reach the upper 50s near Norfolk.


The upper low will then swing by in the late afternoon and evening.

Instability will be limited, but there should be enough lift for an isolated thunderstorm near Norfolk and areas farther south.

Sunday Storm System

A low pressure system is organizing over Texas today, and will strengthen along the Gulf Coast into this weekend as it tracks eastward. This storm will turn northeast Saturday and cross through Georgia, the Carolinas, and onto Virginia by early Sunday morning, bringing rain to the region. The latest data still indicates that the precipitation mode will be rain in Central Virginia, as temperatures will remain above freezing both at the ground and in a deep enough layer above the surface. Rain is expected to overspread the Commonwealth from the Carolinas by early Sunday morning, and rain will be likely through the entire day while the low tracks through the area. Here is a snapshot of the low's expected position on Sunday morning: