Winter Weather Resources & Guidance

Upcoming Winter Storm January 24th, 2026

The Commonwealth of Virginia is preparing for a rare, high-impact winter storm expected to affect the entire state beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Monday morning. The event includes heavy snow, sleet, prolonged freezing rain, and extreme cold.

State agencies including the National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia State Police (VSP), Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and the Virginia National Guard are operating under full coordination.

This is a rare, statewide winter storm with severe snow, ice, and cold. Residents should prepare now, complete travel early, and plan to remain off the roads through Sunday.

Upcoming Storm Timeline

Saturday Afternoon – Evening

• Snow begins in western Virginia
• Expands eastward during the evening
• All regions begin as snow

Saturday Night

• Heavy snowfall statewide
• Conditions deteriorate rapidly after 7–8 PM

Sunday

• Snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain
• Long-duration icing event develops
• Travel conditions become extremely dangerous

Sunday Night – Early Monday

• Freezing rain continues into early morning hours
• System exits by daybreak Monday

Arctic air follows with extremely cold temperatures

Snow is expected to be heaviest late Saturday night through Sunday morning.

Ice Accumulation and Damage Risk

Freezing rain is the primary concern.

• Ice accumulation may reach 0.5 inches or greater
• Some areas may experience 0.75 to nearly 1 inch of ice
• Ice may persist due to prolonged extreme cold

Potential impacts include:

• Widespread power outages
• Downed trees and power lines
• Road blockages
• Extended restoration timelines

This level of ice accumulation is considered severe and potentially catastrophic.

Storm Transportation and Road Operations (VDOT)

Road Clearing Priorities

1. Interstates
2. Primary routes to hospitals
3. Other primary routes
4. Secondary and neighborhood roads

Residents should expect that secondary and neighborhood roads may not be plowed for 24–48 hours after snowfall ends, potentially extending into mid-week.

Travel Guidance

• Complete all necessary travel before Saturday evening
• Avoid travel after 7–8 PM Saturday
• Do not travel on Sunday under any circumstances

Travel during the storm places motorists and first responders at significant risk.

Overall Guidance