A major snow and ice storm is possible this weekend in the Shenandoah Valley, with some experts predicting snowfall totals that could exceed one foot.
“This has the potential to be one of the most impactful storms of the winter,” said Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.
The ingredients are coming into place for a long-duration weather event that has the potential to bring a substantial amount of snow, sleet and freezing rain to the Interstate 81 and Interstate 95 corridors.
“Given the magnitude of the cold air that follows the storm, many areas … could struggle with an icy grip of winter with some damage to infrastructure and major travel difficulties, the scope of which will be revealed in the coming days as more details of the storm unfold,” said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.
The late-January storm could lead to hazardous travel, power outages and school closures.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Thomas Kines said the storm is still days away and “a lot can happen between now and then.”
A cold high-pressure system will be controlling the weather across the Northeast, Kines told AFP.
“It’s going to be a battle between the high in the northeast and the storm in the south this weekend. The high will try to keep the storm suppressed to the south. How far north this storm gets will determine how much snow we get in Waynesboro,” Kines said. “The farther north the storm tracks the more snow there will be. It’s a good bet that the area will get some snow.
“At this point, any part of the state is fair game for a plowable snow.”
Kines predicts the region will see anywhere between six and 12 inches of snow, but concedes it could be anywhere from three inches on the low end to 18 inches on the high end.
If the storm gets too far north, the region could also see sleet and freezing rain.
“Anyone traveling this weekend should pay close attention to the forecast as this storm will affect a large area in the east and south.”
AccuWeather: Snow totals in the Valley
- 23.5″: Jan. 22-23, 2016
- 11.5″: March 6, 2013
- 9.0″: Jan. 3, 2022
- 8.5″: Jan. 16, 2022
- 6.4″: March 16, 2014
- 6.4″: Dec. 16-17, 2020
Video: Keeping tabs on snow forecast
Support AFP
Share
Crystal Graham
