Country braces for biggest snow storm in years. How will we be impacted locally?
From the Washington Post: Snow and ice will start on Friday across the Rockies and Plains, push into the South, Midwest and Appalachians on Saturday, then reach the East Coast on Sunday. To make matters worse, the storm will usher in record-breaking cold, with frigid temperatures lingering at least a week…
Impact on Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
Winter storm-impact rating: 9 out of 10.
Cities that will be hit hardest: Athens in Georgia; Columbia in South Carolina; Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina; Richmond, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg in Virginia; D.C. and Baltimore.
Worst of the storm: Saturday night through Sunday.
The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic will be blitzed by heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from late Saturday through Sunday.
Freezing rain and sleet is forecast to break out across the Carolinas, northeast Georgia and southern Virginia on Saturday evening, quickly turning roads and sidewalks into skating rinks — concern is growing for severe and damaging amounts of ice in this zone.
“Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages,” wrote the Weather Service in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Farther north toward the nation’s capital and Baltimore, snow is expected to arrive late Saturday, turn heavy and blanket the region through Sunday morning — making travel extremely treacherous. Because the air will be so cold, the snow will have a very light and fluffy consistency, making accumulation ultra efficient.
Even though temperatures will be in the teens and 20s, rising temperatures overhead will probably cause that snow to change to sleet and freezing rain at some point on Sunday — but not before significant amounts of snowfall.
Information provided by the City of Charlottesville
Pretreatment and Snow Operations
When conditions allow, crews will pretreat roadways with brine ahead of snowfall to reduce ice bonding and improve early response. Once precipitation begins, crews will transition to active plowing and additional treatment as needed. City snow vehicles are equipped with GPS to support route tracking and coordination throughout the storm.
Snow Removal Priorities
Snow response follows a priority plan. Crews will begin with primary routes, including major corridors and roads critical for emergency response and transit service. As and if conditions permit, crews will move to secondary routes and neighborhood streets. Crews will also focus on crosswalks and key pedestrian areas, including the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and Safe Routes to School corridors.
Emergency Snow Routes and Parking Restrictions
To support safe and effective snow removal, the City of Charlottesville may activate Emergency Snow Routes during significant winter storms. When activated, parking is prohibited on these routes, and vehicles left on the street may be towed to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to operate safely.
City Manager Sanders has activated designated Emergency Snow Routes, effective 9:00 AM Saturday, January 24.
All vehicles must be removed from Emergency Snow Routes by 9:00 AM. Vehicles remaining after that time may be towed to allow crews to safely and efficiently clear roadways for emergency access and public travel.
Designated Emergency Snow Routes include:
Market Street (Old Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE)
High Street (Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE)
Water Street (Ridge Street to 10th Street NE)
2nd Street West (Market Street to Water Street)
4th Street East (Market Street to Water Street)
West Main Street (Ridge Street to JPA)
University Avenue (JPA to Rugby Road)
A full list and additional details will be shared in a separate announcement later today.
To reduce impacts, the City will offer complimentary parking at the Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage beginning Friday, January 23 at 6:00 PM through Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00 AM.
If conditions change, the City may adjust or lift Emergency Snow Route restrictions and will provide public notice through official City communication channels.
Sidewalk Snow Removal Requirements
Per City Code Section 28-25, owners and occupants of properties that abut or front paved sidewalks are responsible for clearing snow, sleet, and ice from those sidewalks.
Cleared sidewalks help ensure pedestrian safety and reduce the need for people to walk in roadways during winter conditions. Residents and businesses are encouraged to clear the full width of sidewalks—not just a shovel path—to allow safe passage for strollers, wheelchairs, and others with mobility needs. All sidewalks touching a property should be cleared in each direction to the street where applicable. When ice is present, salt or sand should be applied to reduce slipping hazards.
The City will issue a public announcement advising when snowfall has ended and when sidewalk clearing requirements go into effect. Residents are also encouraged to use caution when shoveling and to assist neighbors who may have difficulty clearing snow.
Public Safety and Travel
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Drivers should stay off roadways whenever possible to allow crews the space needed to safely plow and treat icy conditions. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance, and use extra caution on hills, bridges, and shaded areas. Parking off-street when possible helps crews clear streets more efficiently.
Before traveling, residents should check real-time road conditions at https://www.511virginia.org or by calling 511.
Updates and Service Requests
The City will share updates as conditions change through the City website banner, social media channels, and local media outlets. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at https://www.cua911.gov/alerts. .
Non-emergency winter-related issues can be reported through MyCville at https://www.charlottesville.gov/mycville. For emergencies, call 911.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Stay informed: Monitor local weather alerts and updates. Subscribe to CUA 911 alerts at https://www.cua911.gov/alerts. .
Limit travel: Stay off roads during winter storms whenever possible and always yield to snowplows.
Check road conditions: Visit https://www.511virginia.org
or call 511 before traveling.
Use generators safely: Never operate generators, grills, camp stoves, or fuel-burning devices inside homes, garages, basements, or enclosed spaces.
Avoid overexertion: Shoveling snow can trigger heart attacks; take frequent breaks.
Check on neighbors: Look in on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives during severe weather.
Prevent frostbite: Protect exposed skin, especially hands, feet, and face; wear hats, mittens, and scarves.
Stay dry and dress in layers: Wet clothing increases heat loss; multiple loose layers provide better insulation.
Additional winter weather preparedness and safety information is available through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at https://www.vaemergency.gov
Power Outages
Power outages should be reported directly to Dominion Energy at dominionenergy.com or by calling 866-366-4357.
What to Do During a Power Outage
Keep warm: Gather everyone in one room and wear layered clothing, hats, and blankets.
Use fireplaces safely: Maintain a three-foot safety zone, use a sturdy screen, and place cooled ashes in a metal container away from the home.
Protect your home: Lower thermostats, unplug electronics, leave one light on to signal when power returns, and keep faucets slightly open to prevent frozen pipes.
Preserve food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Residents should be aware that trash and recycling collection, City facility hours, and other municipal services may be delayed or modified due to weather conditions. Updates will be shared through official City channels.
Transit service and school operations may be impacted by weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor Charlottesville Area Transit and Charlottesville City Schools for the latest updates.
As winter weather approaches, the City encourages residents to stay safe, take care of one another, and check in on neighbors who may need extra support.