Central Virginia Blue Ridge
As expected, some wintry precip began falling in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains Monday morning. Down in the lowlands it was mainly a cold rain.
A variety of winter weather alerts continues into the evening hours on Monday. (Click here to see those.
Then, we slowly begin making the corner to better weather on Tuesday. Near 80 degree temps and real spring return near the end of the week. With mid 80s by the weekend! Click here for that forecast.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
932 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022
Garrett-Extreme Western Allegany-Western Highland-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge (including Wintergreen)–
Western Grant-Western Mineral-Western Pendleton-
932 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 8 PM EDT
MONDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5
inches.
* WHERE…Garrett and extreme western Allegany counties in
Maryland, western portions of Grant, Mineral and Pendleton
counties in West Virginia, western Highland County and the
northern and central Blue Ridge in Virginia.
* WHEN…From 5 AM to 8 PM EDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the morning and evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Most snow accumulation will be above 2000
feet and will be mostly confined to unpaved surfaces, though
some slush on roads is likely.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on
steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery,
increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Central Virginia Blue Ridge
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive most of the day Monday. 2-5 inches of snow is possible especially in the highest of elevations on grassy, unpaved areas. Click here for more info on that bulletin.
A variety of winter weather bulletins goes into effect late Sunday night into Monday morning across the Central Virginia Blue Ridge. Freeze Warnings are primarily confined to the higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Frost advisories in some other areas.
The potential for a couple of inches of snow is in play as well in places like Wintergreen and Montebello in the higher elevations along the BRP.
Zone Forecast Product National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 938 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 VAZ508-171700- Central Virginia Blue Ridge- Including the city of Wintergreen 938 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 ...FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 8 PM EDT MONDAY... .REST OF SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. .SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Snow likely with a chance of rain after midnight. Widespread frost after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the lower 30s. East winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. .MONDAY...Snow and rain. Sleet, mainly in the morning. Snow and sleet accumulation around an inch. Cooler with highs in the upper 30s. East winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.Tommy
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 813 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore- Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Clarke- Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Morgan- Berkeley-Jefferson- Including the cities of Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Lisbon, Jarrettsville, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester, Berryville, Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, and Shepherdstown 813 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 ...FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central and northern Maryland, central and northwest Virginia and eastern West Virginia. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 813 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 Cecil-Northwest Montgomery-Southeast Harford-Augusta-Rockingham- Page-Warren-Northern Fauquier-Western Loudoun- Including the cities of Elkton, Germantown, Damascus, Aberdeen, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Warrenton, and Purcellville 813 AM EDT Sun Apr 17 2022 ...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...In Maryland, Cecil, Northwest Montgomery and Southeast Harford Counties. In Virginia, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Warren, Northern Fauquier and Western Loudoun Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
The previously issued freeze watch has been upgraded to a freeze warning. Click here for that info.
FREEZE WATCH
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
948 AM EDT Sat Apr 16 2022
Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-Cecil-
Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-
Southeast Harford-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-
Warren-Clarke-Northern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Morgan-
Berkeley-Jefferson-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek,
Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Elkton,
Germantown, Damascus, Lisbon, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen, Staunton,
Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock,
Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah,
Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Warrenton, Purcellville,
Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town,
and Shepherdstown
948 AM EDT Sat Apr 16 2022
…FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast and
northern Maryland, central, northern, northwest and western
Virginia and eastern West Virginia.
* WHEN…From late Sunday night through Monday morning.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
Wintergreen / Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia
Winter is certainly on borrowed time, but she’s still got a trick or two left before 80 degree weather moves in next week. Saturday morning a light dusting of snow fell in the highest of elevations of the Blue Ridge.
Tom Holliday of Arrington got a different perspective from down below. In the photo above he was able to capture the snowcap on the Blue Ridge to the west Saturday morning.
Regardless of how much winter wants to hang on, time is short. The average daily temps are on the way up, and as I mentioned above the forecast for next week has plenty of 70s and 80s for daytime highs.
So if you are a winter lover, enjoy what’s left while you can!
Work will close two scenic view overlooks up to a month beginning April 11
From VDOT:
The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin a preventive project Monday, April 11, to shore up a section of Afton Mountain just beneath the scenic view overlook near mile marker 100 on Interstate 64 Eastbound and above U.S. 250 westbound (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) in Nelson County.
During work, VDOT will close access to both scenic overlooks to allow for equipment and work crews. At the onset, U.S. 250 will be reduced to one lane with alternating traffic controlled by flaggers. Once concrete barriers are in place, VDOT will open that section of road to two lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic.
Engineers first identified the area as a possible problem spot during the spring of 2021. VDOT constantly monitors rock outcroppings near roadways by watching for rock movement and comparing photographs, taken over time, to detect changes.
The process to stabilize the mountainside involves drilling deep into the rock with bolts to secure a special mesh which will keep the outcropping in place. It will cost about $197,000.
U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) will remain open while the work is ongoing, which, weather permitting, will be completed in about a month.
Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
Information from Wintergreen Fire & Rescue along with Wintergreen Property Owners Association.
“Monday (4.4.21) work will begin replacing the power transmission lines which connect the Wintergreen Mountain village to the valley floor. This project will span 4 months and much of the work will be completed utilizing specialized helicopters. There will be large helicopters for lifting, and smaller ones to shuttle personnel and equipment.
The helicopter base will be near the tubing park. Obviously, this project will create noise. Work will only take place during daylight hours and is not scheduled for weekends unless they get behind schedule.
Sub-contractors for Central Virginia Electric Cooperative will complete the work without flying over occupied structures or roadways. The trails around work areas will be closed.
All four medical helicopter companies which serve Wintergreen have been notified. All medical evacuation landing zones will remain open.
The Rockfish Air Park operators have also been alerted to increased traffic.
This project should not cause power outages. There is a caveat. There are typically two ways to route power to mountain. This redundancy significantly decreases the frequency and duration of power outages. While this project is being completed, there will only be one path for energy.”
ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
400 AM EDT Sun Apr 3 2022
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Warren-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-
Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market,
Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Lovingston,
Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Washington, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren,
Warrenton, Turnbull, Big Meadows, and Wintergreen
400 AM EDT Sun Apr 3 2022
…ENHANCED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES THIS AFTERNOON…
Minimum relative humidity will drop to between 25 and 30 percent
across portions of northern and central Virginia while west to
northwest winds gust frequently between 25 and 35 mph. The
strongest winds will coincide with the lowest humidity during the
mid to late afternoon hours.
Fuel moisture will dry out during this time. The combination of
low fuel moisture, low relative humidity, and gusty winds will
enhance the threat for the spread of wildfires.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please
refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can
burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire
suppression is readily available.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
413 AM EDT Sun Apr 3 2022
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-
Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Marion, Bland, Pearisburg,
Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop,
Troutdale, Volney, Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Roanoke, Salem,
Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford,
Amherst, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox,
South Boston, and Keysville
413 AM EDT Sun Apr 3 2022
…ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY…
West to northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, will gust up to 20 to 30
mph this afternoon. Humidity levels dropping 25 to 35 percent,
will combine with the wind to dry out fuels and enhance the threat
of the spread of wildfires.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please
refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can
burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire
suppression is readily available.
From VDOT:
CULPEPER DISTRICT: April 4-8, 2022
The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the next week. Traffic movements may be restricted and speed limits reduced in work zones. (NEW) or (UPDATE) indicate revisions since last week’s report.
Culpeper District traffic information is also available on Twitter at @VaDOTCulp and on VDOT’s website at http://www.virginiadot.org/tr
Albemarle County
(UPDATE) Debris cleanup – Be alert for multiple crews in the following areas as they remove trees and other storm debris from roadsides. Watch for traffic controls and directional signs as you approach the work zones.
Interstate 64. Expect left lane closures in the eastbound lanes between mile marker 128 and mile marker 131, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday.
Route 6 (Irish Road). Expect alternating lane closures under flagging operations in both the eastbound and westbound lanes from Route 20 (Valley Street) to the Nelson County line, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
Route 20 (Scottsville Road). Expect alternating lane closures under flagging operations in both the northbound and southbound lanes from Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway) to Route 712 (Plank Road), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
Route 20 (Stony Point Road). Expect alternating lane closures under flagging operations in both the northbound and southbound lanes from Route 1421 (Fontana Drive) to the Orange County line, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
Interstate 64 – Ditch cleaning operations. Expect shoulder closures in the eastbound and westbound lanes, from mile marker 100 to mile marker 131, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(UPDATE) Albemarle Design-Build Projects – Be alert for construction activities in the following areas:
U.S. 250 (Richmond Road) at Interstate 64. Construction of diverging diamond interchange. Speed limit reduced to 25 miles per hour. Right two lanes and right and left shoulders closed from the eastbound off-ramp to U.S. 250. Expect alternating lane closures on the westbound off-ramp to U.S. 250, Sunday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Use caution traveling through the work zone and be alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work area.
Expect intermittent lane closure with traffic controlled by flaggers, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Speed limit reduced to 25 miles per hour.
U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) at Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road). Construction of a roundabout. Expect single lane closures with traffic controlled by flaggers between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Speed limit reduced to 25 miles per hour. Be alert for equipment and workers near the travel lanes and follow signs through the work zone.
(UPDATE) Water Main Replacement Project – Be aware of contract crews working on the following roads.
Route 1408 (South Bennington Road). Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 1406 (Surrey Road). Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 1405 (Chaucer Road). Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 1404 (Westminster Road). Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) – Roadway improvements. Expect alternating flagging operations in both the eastbound and westbound lanes, from Route 1260 (Cory Farm Road) to Radford Lane, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(NEW) Route 22 (Louisa Road) – Tree removal operations. Expect eastbound lane and shoulder closures from Route 640 (Saint John Road) to Route 616 (Whitlock Road) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Route 22 (Louisa Road) – Bridge substructure repair/replacement. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 744 (Hunt Club Road) and Route 600 (Campbell Road), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Route 240 (Crozet Avenue) – Bridge superstructure replacement. Traffic reduced to one lane controlled by temporary signal between Route 1231 (Davis Drive) and Route 691 (Tabor Street) through mid-July 2022. Expect congestion and delays during peak traffic hours.
Route 631 (Rio Road East) – Sidewalk work between Route 1177 (Dunlora Drive) and Route 1481 (Pen Park Lane). Expect alternating lane closures with flagging operations and workers near the travel lanes Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(NEW) Route 702 (Reservoir Road) – Utility work under VDOT permit. The roadway will close to traffic in both directions Saturday, April 2 through Sunday, April 3. Drivers should use alternate routes.
City of Charlottesville
(NEW) Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) from U.S. 250 to the Albemarle County line between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., beginning Sunday.
(NEW) U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes under flagging operations, from Holiday Drive to Seminole Court, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, beginning Sunday.
Culpeper County
(NEW) Route 730 (Indian Run Road) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures at Route 639 (Holly Springs Road), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(UPDATE) Paving Operations – Expect alternating lane closures on the following roads with traffic controlled by flaggers and pilot trucks.
Route 686 East (Lovers Lane) between U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) and U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway), 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday.
Route 799 (Keyser Road) between Route 3652 (East Chandler Street) and Route 667 (Nalles Mill Road), 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Fauquier County
(NEW) Interstate 66 – Ditch cleaning operations Be alert for work crews on roadsides between mile marker 16 and mile markers 35 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Interstate 66 – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect right shoulder closures, eastbound and westbound, between mile marker 14 and mile marker 37, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be alert for traffic controls and directional signs as you approach the work zones.
(NEW) Updating directional signs – Be alert for work crews in the following areas.
U.S. 17 (Grove Lane). Right shoulder closed in the northbound lane from Route 721 (Free State Road) to West Main Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
U.S. 17 (Winchester Road). Right shoulder closed in the southbound lane from Route 1002 (Ashby Avenue) to Route 1003 (Renalds Avenue), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. 17 (James Madison Highway). Right shoulder closed in the southbound lane at Route 699 (Merry Oaks Lane), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
U.S. 17 (Winchester Road). Right shoulder closed in the southbound lane at Route 812 (Dondoric Farm Road), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. 17 (Marsh Road) – Replacing southbound bridge over the railroad and Route 805 (Bealeton Road). One southbound lane closed. Lane closure will remain in place for majority of project. Anticipated completion December 2022.
U.S. 17 (West Main Street) – Expect alternating lane closures in the northbound lanes, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, between Route 1003 (Frost Street) and U.S. 17 (Winchester Road) for road construction.
Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect lane and shoulder closures in the westbound lanes at Route 724 (Pleasant Vale Road), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Route 647 (Crest Hill Road) – Bridge replacement. The bridge over Thumb Run is closed for replacement of the structure. Detour signs will direct traffic to use Route 635 (Hume Road) and Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road). The new bridge will reopen to traffic by Nov. 11, 2022.
Route 674 (Frytown Road) – Roadway reconstruction. Road closed to through traffic between Route 678 (Bald Eagle Drive) and Route 1440 (Millwood Drive). Local traffic follow directional signs. Project completion expected June 3.
Route 805 (Bealeton Road) – Road reduced to one lane under the U.S. 17 (Marsh Road) bridge during bridge replacement project. Traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals.
(NEW) Route 806 (Elk Run Road) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect alternating lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes from Route 28 (Catlett Road) to Route 607 (Shenandoah Path) Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(NEW) Route 853 (Station Drive) – Paving operations. Expect alternating lane closures in the eastbound lanes, controlled by flaggers and pilot trucks, from U.S. 17 (Marsh Road) to Route 28 (Catlett Road), 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 9 through Wednesday, April 13.
Louisa County
(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Debris cleanup. Expect left lane closures eastbound, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, between mile marker 131 and mile marker 138 while crews remove trees and other storm debris from the shoulder and clear zone. Multiple crews will be working in this area. Be alert for traffic controls and directional signs as you approach the work zones.
(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Ditch cleaning operations. Expect shoulder closures in the eastbound and westbound lanes from mile marker 131 to mile marker 148, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Route 522 (Cross County Road) – Construction of a roundabout at U.S. 250 (Broad Street Road) near the Goochland County line. Expect flagging operations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Madison County
(NEW) U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Right shoulder will be closed in the southbound lane at Route 733 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Road conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the 511 Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on Facebook and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp.
Above Tom Holliday sent us this video of a wintry mix falling at Wintergreen Resort – Friday – April 1, 2022.
Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
The calendar keeps telling us it’s spring, but winter still wants to have the last word for now!
Tommy Holliday of Arrington sent us the video above of some wintry mischief as a former weather colleague of mine, David Reese, used to say!
Even the resort is having a bit of fun with the wintry weather that fell on none other than April 1st.
Not to worry, real spring, and summer, are on their way. But, we may have to endure a few more bouts of back and forth before it arrives!
