More than two dozen states, including Virginia, will be impacted by significant snow and dangerous cold this weekend due to a widespread winter storm.
Snow will likely begin to fall in the Shenandoah Valley Saturday night before mixing with sleet and freezing rain on Sunday.
“Saturday will be dry. Good weather for doing any errands,” said Tom Kines, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. “No travel is recommended on Sunday.”
The Waynesboro area should still expect snowfall in the eight to 12″ range.
Staunton City Manager Leslie Beauregard has declared a local emergency, effective immediately. The designation allows the city to activate the National Guard for assistance if needed. The declaration also activates the city’s emergency operations plan.
“This declaration removes any barriers to our response efforts and allows us to mobilize additional resources, if necessary,” said Beauregard. “Our primary focus is public safety. With the potential for heavy snow and ice, restoring normal conditions will take time. We are fully staffed and ready, but we need residents to avoid travel so our plows and emergency vehicles can navigate the city effectively.”
This will be the most impactful U.S. winter storm in five years and one of the most significant storms of the decade.
“Being proactive can help save lives in a storm like this,” said Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather vice president of forecasting operations. “Get your groceries and supplies early, and make sure your friends, family and older neighbors know about the serious risks with this storm.”
DePodwin recommends filling your gas tank and charging your electric vehicle, as well as stocking up on food that does not require heating, bottled water, medicine, emergency supplies and a portable charger for your cell phone.
“Prepare for the storm now, and be ready to hunker down at home for several days in the hardest-hit areas,” DePodwin said. “Plan to be home and off the roads well before freezing rain, ice and snow begin.”
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- Experts: More than a foot of snow possible this weekend in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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Crystal Graham
