Winter storm Blair
By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Fluvanna spent the opening weekend of 2025 bracing for the area’s first significant snowstorm since the first week of 2022.
Some residents reported that up three to four inches of snow had fallen by mid-day Monday (Jan. 6) topped with some sleet and icy rain.
Thomas Adam of the Fluvanna County Severe Weather Facebook page posted late Sunday afternoon that, depending on air temperatures and pressures, there were two storm scenarios: one in which the county would see only 2-4 inches of snow but up to a quarter-inch of ice, and one in which it would see 4-8 inches of snow but far less ice.
“Either way, it’s going to be a mess,” he wrote, noting that road conditions would deteriorate soon after the snow started falling. Ice accumulations could cause power outages and falling trees.
Adams’s prediction of less snow but more ice proved correct. By sunrise, freezing rain had moved in, turning snow to slush and coating trees and surfaces with ice.
Early Monday morning, residents began sharing reports on road conditions and plotting safe routes into Charlottesville.
The consensus was that people should stay home. There were multiple reports of slick secondary roads and cars left abandoned in ditches.
“Not a lot of people on the road, which is great!” posted Scott Harris of Reliable Rides after dropping his wife off at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. “I drove about 25-30 mph after almost going off the road, and I’m a professional driver and long-time winter driver.”
The advent of Winter Storm Blair led to many residents turning to social media to share information, helpful hints, and offers of assistance.
“Stock up on non-perishable food and water, check your fuel levels, and ensure your pets have enough supplies and a safe shelter. Make sure your generators and chainsaws are in working order, and consider treating your walkways and driveways to prevent ice buildup,” warned the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office.
They also warned people to stay off the roads during the storm and “make sure your vehicle is equipped with plenty of fuel and emergency supplies if you need to travel.”
“Tomorrow should be interesting,” posted E.W. Thomas Grocery on Sunday afternoon. “We are open today 9-5. Yes, we have eggs and milk and bread.”
Others shared graphics on generator safety and how to prevent pipes from freezing in the frigid temperatures expected to follow the storm.
On the biggest local Facebook forums, people looked for help starting snowblowers, tracking down any last-minute propane deliveries, and wondering if anyone could help dig them out after the storm.
