Forecasters are tracking a major winter storm that could bring a foot or more of snow to the region from Saturday afternoon into Sunday evening.
While exact snowfall totals may change as the system develops, officials say residents should begin storm preparations now.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate by Saturday evening, with heavy snow and reduced visibility making travel increasingly hazardous through the weekend.
The snow is expected to be followed by several days of cold weather, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-30s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the teens.
A little preparation now could prevent serious problems later
WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
HOME PREP
☐ Put shovels, snow brushes, ice melt and other equipment in an accessible spot
☐ Set faucets to drip only during prolonged cold or outages
☐ Know how to shut off water if pipes burst
☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
☐ Charge phones, laptops, and power banks
☐ Bring extra blankets into living areas
☐ Set thermostat to a consistent temperature
POWER OUTAGE READY
☐ Flashlights (not candles)
☐ Extra batteries
☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
☐ Safe backup heat source ready
☐ Carbon monoxide detector working
FOOD & WATER (AT LEAST 3 DAYS)
☐ Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day)
☐ Non-perishable food
☐ Manual can opener
☐ Baby food or special dietary needs
☐ Paper plates and utensils
MEDICAL & PERSONAL
☐ Prescription medications refilled
☐ First-aid kit
☐ Hygiene supplies
☐ Glasses, contacts, hearing aid batteries
VEHICLE PREP (IF TRAVEL IS NECESSARY)
Reminder: Stay off the roads unless travel is essential. Snowplows and emergency crews need room to work.
☐ Gas tank at least half full
☐ Ice scraper and snow brush
☐ Jumper cables
☐ Sand, salt, or cat litter for traction
☐ Blanket, hat, gloves
☐ Snacks and water
☐ Phone charger or power bank
PEOPLE & PETS
☐ Check on elderly or disabled neighbors
☐ Bring pets indoors
☐ Extra pet food and unfrozen water
☐ Warm, dry shelter for animals
STAY INFORMED
☐ Weather and emergency alerts enabled on phone
☐ NOAA Weather Radio or trusted local news
☐ Road conditions checked via 511Virginia.org
WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FROZEN PIPES?
Frozen pipes are most likely when air temperatures stay at or below 20°F for several hours, especially overnight. Brief dips below freezing generally do not pose a serious risk.
Homes are at higher risk if pipes run along exterior walls, are located in crawl spaces or garages, or are affected by power outages that prevent heating.
During prolonged cold:
Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F if possible
Open cabinet doors under sinks
Let faucets drip during extended sub-20° cold or outages
Avoid unnecessary dripping during mild cold—it wastes water without adding protection.
