|
|
||
The region braces for 16 to 24 inches of snow and another weekend indoors Date published: 2/5/2010
By KELLY HANNON A near-blizzard is forecast to bring 16 to 24 inches of snow to the Fredericksburg area starting at mid-morning, making travel "very hazardous or nearly impossible" tonight, according to a National Weather Service storm warning. Snow totals will be even greater in Culpeper and Orange, where 20 to 28 inches of snow could fall. The weekend storm has the potential to top or match snowfall amounts from last month's rare December snowstorm of 19 inches. "The best thing we can tell the public is to limit your travel to emergencies only," said Tina Bundy, Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman. Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, citing high potential for ice, power outages and blocked roads across Virginia. The city of Fredericksburg declared a local emergency and asked residents to prepare to shelter at home for three days, if needed, with adequate water, food and medicine. Near Fredericksburg, the snow is expected to start falling after 10 a.m. with the heaviest accumulation anticipated between nightfall and sunrise Saturday. Wind gusts accompanying the snow could reach 35 mph today and Saturday, making it difficult for drivers to see beyond a quarter-mile. "If we get into whiteout conditions, that reduces your visibility to zero," Bundy said. "The best thing to do is stay home, stay off the roads, and let VDOT get the roads to a point where it's safe to drive." Last night, most area school districts decided to cancel classes today. Sleet could mix in with this weekend's snow, making surfaces slick. Also, with already-cold ground temperatures, surfaces will freeze overnight, Bundy said. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles could face challenges on the roads this weekend. "If we have a whiteout, it still limits your visibility. And if we have ice, a four-wheel-drive will slide, as well," Bundy said. Just as with the Dec. 18-19 storm, the heavy volume of snow could hamper travel in the area for days. "I don't imagine we'll get into a subdivision at least until Sunday night," Bundy said. "And that's just a guesstimate. It just depends on what we get and how long it snows--and how much progress we make."
Date published: 2/5/2010
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
||||||||||||||
