Forecast: The Big One is coming
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
Just in from the National Weather Service: a Winter Storm Watch for Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro Friday and Saturday with a forecast for 12 to 18 inches of snow with localized amounts of 20 inches or more possible.
The snow is forecast to begin around daybreak Friday, according to the forecast alert, which was issued at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday. The snow is expected to continue into the evening hours on Saturday.
The alert from the National Weather Service indicated that the storm on its way here this weekend has the potential to be similar to the Dec. 18-19 storm that dumped between 25 and 31 inches of snow on the Greater Augusta area.
The Rant | The Winter of Our Discontent
Video Essay by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
And our discontent – that the city is doing a shoddy job of clearing city streets following winter storms. Which it is.
Keep in mind, AFP editor Chris Graham says in his Rant, that the city is dealing with a still-cramped city budget. And that the people who have been showing up for elections here the past few years have made it clear that they want the city run as a tight ship.
When you’re past cutting fat and muscle and are digging straight into the bone to make ends meet, some things suffer. And since City Council can’t legislate a mild winter, well, this is going to be a problem until the spring. Continue reading “The Rant | The Winter of Our Discontent” »
You guessed it – more snow
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
With our eyes focused on the possibility of a foot or two of snow this weekend, some attention could be paid to the here and now – with the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Weather Advisory for Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro today with possible snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches this afternoon and into the overnight hours.
The snow is expected to start between 1-3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and continue to the midnight-4 a.m. time frame early Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-30s this afternoon and falling throughout the rest of the day into the 20s into the evening and overnight hours.
Slight change in forecast: 3 to 5 inches of snow tomorrow
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The National Weather Service has pulled back its Winter Storm Watch for the Greater Augusta area in favor of a new Winter Weather Advisory that is now in effect for Saturday.
The Advisory runs from 4 a.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Saturday night. The forecast is now for a possible 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulation in Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro.
Snow is expected to be heaviest Saturday morning through the midday hours.
Winter Storm Watch: 5 inches or more in the forecast
Staff Report
News tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Greater Augusta area from late Friday night through Saturday evening.
The forecast for the two-day period is calling for potential snow accumulations of 5 or more inches of snow.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the lower to middle 20s through Saturday before dropping into the teens Saturday evening.
Pass the salt
Column by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
I dutifully spread the salt out. I do this every time it’s supposed to snow or ice or whatever the lady on the TV says it’s going to do.
I know how futile the whole enterprise is.
Case in point: the last ice storm. I had salt on the steps leading down to Main Street and on the sidewalk right in front of the house, and I salted the accessibility ramp leading to the sidewalk where we park our car on Church Street, and a couple of the squares on the sidewalk there. Continue reading “Pass the salt” »
Kaine requests disaster assistance related to snow cleanup
Staff Report
News Tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine today requested federal disaster assistance to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with the severe winter storm that occurred Dec. 18-20, 2009 and the ensuing power outages.
The governor has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse state agencies and 40 localities for damage to public infrastructure, debris removal, related emergency services and snow removal costs.
“This was a major winter storm event and the Commonwealth incurred significant but necessary costs to keep Virginians safe,” said Kaine. “Federal assistance is available for just such a situation and I hope that the federal government will respond promptly to our request.” Continue reading “Kaine requests disaster assistance related to snow cleanup” »
City officials watching weather forecast
Snow-rain double-whammy caused massive ’96 flooding
Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
The first of the two 100-year floods of 1996 in Waynesboro was precipitated by a massive early-January snowstorm that dumped 30 inches-plus of snow followed by a heavy-rain event a week later that forced the South River out of its banks.
With snow still on the ground from the 30-inch-plus snow event of the past weekend and rain in the forecast for the end of the week, city officials are closely monitoring the weather situation, though things aren’t looking like they’re lining up for a repeat of January 1996 at this point in time. Continue reading “City officials watching weather forecast” »
Post-storm update
City Councilwoman updates snow-removal operations in Waynesboro
Report by Lorie Smith
www.loriesmith.com
Here we are three days after the historic 24-inch snowfall that blanketed Waynesboro. Virginia and surrounding states were hit hard; our area particularly so. In an effort to keep the public informed, I’d like to provide you with some post-storm updates
Current Road Conditions:
Intersections are still quite slushy at this point. City crews are working on this issue to avoid nightly refreezes.
Sidewalk Cleanup:
It is unrealistic to expect citizens to clear this volume of snow under a strict timeframe. I anticipate a relaxed enforcement policy that will give citizens and businesses ample time to clear their sidewalks. Continue reading “Post-storm update” »
VDOT continues clearing work
Interstates and primaries in decent shape; secondaries not so much
Staff Report
News Tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Virginia Department of Transportation is reporting this morning that most interstate and primary roads are passable and in minor to moderate condition in the Shenandoah Valley. Motorists should drive with caution as icy patches may exist in areas. Continue reading “VDOT continues clearing work” »
VDOT: Drive with caution Monday morning
Black ice, frozen slush will cause havoc
Staff Report
News Tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Virginia Department of Transportation advises motorists to drive with extra caution tonight and into the morning. Temperatures are expected to drop this evening, creating potential for wet roads to refreeze or black ice to develop. People who are driving are urged to be careful particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
Crews will be out treating roads as long as conditions are present.
Sunday night conditions:
- Interstate 64: Severe conditions in Augusta County. Moderate conditions in Rockbridge County.
- Interstate 81: Minor conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta and Rockingham.
- Primary roads: Severe conditions in Augusta County. Minor conditions in Rockbridge and Rockingham.
- Secondary roads: Severe conditions in Rockbridge and Augusta. Moderate conditions in Rockingham.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People should not drive unless absolutely necessary.
Winter Storm News Blog
The latest on how the winter storm is impacting the Valley
Staff Report
Submit weather-related news and cancellations: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Latest News
- Tonight’s UVa.-UNCW game postponed (Saturday, 12:30 p.m.)
- Road information on 511Virginia.org (Saturday, 9:15 a.m.)
- JMU-Radford basketball game postponed (Friday, 10:10 p.m.)
- Coachmen concert scheduled for tonight postponed (Friday, 5:40 p.m.)
- Christmas in the River City event to go on as scheduled (Friday, 3 p.m.)
- Railroad Museum Open House set for Saturday called off (Friday, 3 p.m.)
- UVa. men’s basketball game still on (Friday, 3 p.m.)
- Kaine declares state of emergency (Friday, 3 p.m.)
Continue reading “Winter Storm News Blog” »
