February 26, 2015: Observations

February 26, 2015 Ryan_R

Church Hill Storm Observation Summary:
* Place – Time: Church Hill, (2/26/2015)
* Temperature: 30-32, During Event
* Winter Weather Watch/Warning/Advisory: Watch & Warning
* Closings: All local school districts were closed on 2/26 and 2/27, Chesterfield County Government closed on 2/26.
* Predicted Totals: Between 3-6″ and 4-8″ the day before and day of the event.
* Road Conditions: All roads had snow accumulation on them. Local streets were covered at the onset of the snow.
* Precipitation Description: Snow, which began at 1:30 AM on 2/26, ended around 10 AM on 2/26.
* Total Precipitation: 5.75″ of snow. 5.0″ of snow was reported at the Richmond airport. Locally heavier snow to the south and east of Richmond.
* Comments: A southern slider system that originated along the gulf coast, dubbed “Remus”, developed and slide up along the Carolina coast, east of Virginia Beach. Snow broke out after midnight and was heavy for 3-4 hours. The heaviest snow and accumulation occurred between 2 AM and 7 AM. This was a wetter snow, which allowed it to cling to the trees and power lines. Impacts from snow to the Richmond area were significant from this storm.

Snowfall Totals:

Photo Gallery:

Forecast Discussion

February 26, 2015: Snow from Southern Slider?

February 24, 2015 Ryan_R

A moderate intensity storm system will be brushing central Virginia late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A system rounding the corner of a fresh arctic plunge on the east coast will skirt from the Gulf Coast across the Carolinas and bring a snow event that ranges from 1-4 inches in central Virginia to almost a foot in Hampton Roads. Current forecast and trends are posted below.

Update on 2/25/15:

Winter Storm Watch
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
430 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

VAZ060-061-067>073-078-082-083-085-251730-
/O.EXB.KAKQ.WS.A.0004.150226T0000Z-150226T1800Z/
PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-CHESTERFIELD-
HENRICO-KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-LANCASTER-CHARLES CITY-
NEW KENT-MIDDLESEX-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…FARMVILLE…CREWE…COLONIAL HEIGHTS…
RICHMOND
430 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS: PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA INCLUDING
METRO RICHMOND.

* HAZARDS: ACCUMULATING SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES.

* TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION LATE THIS EVENING…AND
MAY BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED
TO TAPER OFF TO LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS THURSDAY MORNING…WITH
LITTLE ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION EXPECTED AFTER 7 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW…SLEET…OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

——————————————————————————–

Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
553 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

VAZ060-061-067>073-078-082>086-099-261100-
PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-CHESTERFIELD-
HENRICO-KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-LANCASTER-CHARLES CITY-NEW KENT-
GLOUCESTER-MIDDLESEX-MATHEWS-ACCOMACK-
553 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON…

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL VIRGINIA…EAST
CENTRAL VIRGINIA…SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA…THE EASTERN SHORE OF
VIRGINIA…THE MIDDLE PENINSULA OF VIRGINIA…THE NORTHERN NECK OF
VIRGINIA AND THE PIEDMONT OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE…TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

WINTER STORM WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

WINTER STORM WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

$$

——————————————————————————–

——————————————————————————–

Winter Storm Watch
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
430 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

VAZ060-061-067>073-078-082-083-085-251730-
/O.EXB.KAKQ.WS.A.0004.150226T0000Z-150226T1800Z/
PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-CHESTERFIELD-
HENRICO-KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-LANCASTER-CHARLES CITY-
NEW KENT-MIDDLESEX-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…FARMVILLE…CREWE…COLONIAL HEIGHTS…
RICHMOND
430 AM EST WED FEB 25 2015

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS: PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA INCLUDING
METRO RICHMOND.

* HAZARDS: ACCUMULATING SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES.

* TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION LATE THIS EVENING…AND
MAY BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED
TO TAPER OFF TO LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS THURSDAY MORNING…WITH
LITTLE ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION EXPECTED AFTER 7 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW…SLEET…OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

2/25/2015: Evening Update

Forecast models and the local stations have been increasing totals throughout the day. Storm totals range from 4-6 (NWS), 4-8 (NBC12), 4-8 (WxRisk) to 5-10 (ABC8). The NWS graphic is posted below. Of course, a Winter Storm Warning is now in effect:

NWS Snow Forecast, 2.25.15 (Evening) — NWS Snow Forecast, 2/25/15 (Evening)

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
256 PM EST WED FEB 25 2015

VAZ060-061-067>073-078-082>086-260415-
/O.UPG.KAKQ.WS.A.0004.150226T0000Z-150226T1800Z/
/O.COR.KAKQ.WS.W.0002.150226T0000Z-150226T1800Z/
PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-CHESTERFIELD-
HENRICO-KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-LANCASTER-CHARLES CITY-
NEW KENT-GLOUCESTER-MIDDLESEX-MATHEWS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FARMVILLE...CREWE...COLONIAL HEIGHTS...
RICHMOND
256 PM EST WED FEB 25 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS
EVENING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER
IN EFFECT.

* LOCATIONS: PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...INCLUDING
  THE METRO RICHMOND AREA.

* HAZARDS: SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS
  POSSIBLE.

* TEMPERATURES: UPPER 20S.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.

* TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION LATE THIS EVENING
  OR AROUND MIDNIGHT...THEN INCREASES IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY
  AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO TAPER OFF TO LIGHT SNOW
  SHOWERS BY LATE THURSDAY MORNING...WITH LITTLE ADDITIONAL
  ACCUMULATION EXPECTED AFTER 10 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

&&

$$

Observation, Winter Weather

February 16-17, 2015: Observations

February 17, 2015 Ryan_R

Church Hill Storm Observation Summary:
* Place – Time: Church Hill, (2/17/2015)
* Temperature: 17-20, During Event
* Winter Weather Watch/Warning/Advisory: Watch & Warning
* Closings: All local school districts closed on 2/17, Chesterfield County Government closed early on 2/16, and closed on 2/17. Delayed opening on 2/18.
* Predicted Totals: Between 6-10″ and 9-14″ the day before and day of the event.
* Road Conditions: All roads had snow accumulation on them. Local streets were covered at the onset of the snow.
* Precipitation Description: Snow, which began at 1 PM on 2/16 and ended around 7 AM on 2/17. Sleet mixed in overnight after 12 AM on 2/17.
* Total Precipitation: 6.0″ of snow. 6.9″ of snow was reported at the Richmond airport. Locally heavier snow to the west of Richmond. Sleet likely compacted measurement total in Richmond.
* Comments: A southern slider system that originated in Missouri/Arkansas, dubbed “Octavia”, developed and slide east through the Tennessee Valley, south of Virginia. Snow broke out during the day on 2/16 and was light until 6 and 7 PM. The heaviest snow and accumulation occurred between 7 PM and 12 AM. Sleet mixed with snow overnight, which limited snow totals. Impacts from snow and ice to the Richmond area were significant from this storm.

Snowfall Totals:

Photo Gallery:

Forecast Discussion, Winter Weather

February 16-17, 2015: Southern Slider Storm?

February 15, 2015 Ryan_R

It appears that a potentially potent system will develop in the lower Midwest and slide east Monday, impacting Richmond from Monday night into Tuesday morning. As of Sunday morning, no watches or warnings are posted for the Wakefield area. Models are already depicting heavy snowfall totals for central Virginia, with 6″ or more of snow being depicted. TWC and Channel 12 are already saying that a 8-12″ storm could be possible. TWC has named the storm “Octavia”.

Update: Afternoon of 2/15/2015

Winter Storm Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
440 PM EST SUN FEB 15 2015

VAZ048-049-060>064-067>074-080>083-160545-
/O.NEW.KAKQ.WS.A.0002.150216T2100Z-150217T1700Z/
FLUVANNA-LOUISA-PRINCE EDWARD-CUMBERLAND-GOOCHLAND-HANOVER-
CAROLINE-NOTTOWAY-AMELIA-POWHATAN-CHESTERFIELD-HENRICO-
KING WILLIAM-KING AND QUEEN-ESSEX-DINWIDDIE-PRINCE GEORGE-
CHARLES CITY-NEW KENT-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LOUISA...FARMVILLE...GOOCHLAND...
ASHLAND...CREWE...COLONIAL HEIGHTS...RICHMOND...TAPPAHANNOCK...
PETERSBURG...HOPEWELL
440 PM EST SUN FEB 15 2015

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING.

* AREAS AFFECTED: CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA.

* HAZARDS: HEAVY SNOW.

* ACCUMULATION: SNOW ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 6 TO 8
  INCHES. HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE PIEDMONT.

* TEMPERATURES: UPPER TEENS TO LOW 20S.

* TIMING: SNOW IS EXPECTED TO SPREAD INTO THE EASTERN VIRGINIA
  PIEDMONT LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AND INTO THE INTERSTATE 95
  CORRIDOR BY EARLY MONDAY EVENING. SNOW WILL CONTINUE MONDAY
  NIGHT AND TAPER OFF TUESDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS: SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY AND RESULT IN
  HAZARDOUS...SNOW COVERED ROADS. EVEN PRIMARY ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
  WILL LIKELY BECOME SNOW COVERED DUE TO THE COLD TEMPERATURES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

Observation, Winter Weather

February 14, 2015: Observation

February 15, 2015 Ryan_R

Church Hill Storm Observation Summary:
* Place – Time: Church Hill, (2/14/2015)
* Temperature: 31-44, During Event
* Winter Weather Watch/Warning/Advisory: None.
* Closings: None.
* Predicted Totals: Little to no accumulation was predicted for the event.
* Road Conditions: Slight impact to local roads, during heavy snowfall.
* Precipitation Description: Snow; which began around 8 PM and ended by 9 PM.
* Total Precipitation: Approximately 0.1″ of snow on most surfaces. A trace of snow/sleet or ice was reported at the Richmond airport.
* Comments: This was a short but intense event that accompanied the passage of an arctic front. Heavy snowfall rates coupled with gusts in the 45-50 MPH range (gust to 52 MPH at RIC airport) made for a dramatic snowfall event. Observations of lightening and thunder were observed in Church Hill. Overnight temperatures fell to 14 degrees on the 15th. Most of the accumulations evaporated by the morning of the 15th.

Photos:

Observation, Winter Weather

February 10, 2015: Observations

February 12, 2015 Ryan_R

Church Hill Storm Observation Summary:
* Place – Time: Church Hill, (2/10/2015)
* Temperature: 33-34, During Event
* Winter Weather Watch/Warning/Advisory: None.
* Closings: None.
* Predicted Totals: No accumulations were predicted for the event.
* Road Conditions: No impacts to local roads.
* Precipitation Description: Sleet and sleet/rain mix, which began during the early morning hours on Tuesday (3 AM) and ended by mid-morning Tuesday (9 AM).
* Total Precipitation: Approximately 0.1″ of sleet. A trace of snow/sleet or ice was reported at the Richmond airport. More accumulation was present in Chesterfield along my commute route into work.
* Comments: This was a low impact system with accumulations mainly on elevated (car tops), grassy and mulch surfaces.

Photos:

RVAWX.com

Monthly Archives: February 2015

February 26, 2015: Observations

February 26, 2015: Snow from Southern Slider?

February 16-17, 2015: Observations

February 16-17, 2015: Southern Slider Storm?

Winter Storm Watch

February 14, 2015: Observation

February 10, 2015: Observations

Current & Historical Weather Events in Richmond, Virginia