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. Read more
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. Read more
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. Read more
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.)
Storm of the century!
Valley braces for a foot or two of snow this weekend
Staff Report
Submit weather-related news and cancellations: freepress2@ntelos.net
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Central Shenandoah Valley from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday with a forecast for 1 to 2 feet of snow possible.
Locally higher amounts of up to 3 feet are possible at higher elevations.
The snow is expected to begin between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday and will continue through Saturday night. The snow is projected to be heaviest between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Temperatures will be well below freezing for the duration of the event – in the mid- to upper-20s in the Valley and the mid-20s at higher elevations.
Winds will be sustained at 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph on Saturday and Sunday.
Stay tuned to AugustaFreePress.com for further information as it becomes available.
