Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 1/22/2016 7:00 AM to 1/24/2016 7:00 AM EST for the Richmond area. For more information, please visit the National Weather Service here: http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/weather/alertinfo/28462160

Before Winter Weather that Impacts the Area

As the temperatures drop, always pay attention to local forecast for potential severe winter weather. Understanding forecast terminology is the first step to being prepared. 

Winter Weather Advisory: Significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, and is an inconvenience.

Winter Storm Watch: Significant winter weather is expected but not imminent provides 12 to 36 hours’ notice of the possibility of winter weather.

Winter Storm Warning: Significant winter weather is occurring imminent or likely and is a threat to life and property.

Blizzard Warning: Dangerous winds that are at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow that will frequently reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours.

Listen to local forecast

Tune into 97.3 WRIR for the most accurate and update warning from the City of Richmond Office of Emergency Management.

Have a battery operated or hand crank radio to be able to receive warnings and notification when the power is out.

Tips to Prepare for Winter Weather

Before winter add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Extra blankets and winter clothing
• Snow shovel
• Rock salt or other products to melt ice

In addition remember to make sure you have sufficient heating fuel and have your chimneys and heating systems checked annually. 

Remember to bring pets indoors.

Drive only if it is absolutely necessary.

Make sure your family communications plan is current, and that everyone is aware of how you will contact each other and how you will reunite.

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning heating devices inside of your home, garage, basement or crawlspace.  Make sure the heating device is located away from home doors and windows. 

To prepare for any disaster, it’s important to take three simple steps: 

• Get a kit
• Make a Plan
• Stay Informed

Visit: www.richmondgov.com/fire/EmergencyManagement.aspx for more information on preparing for all disasters or emergencies.

Update the emergency kit in your vehicle with:

• Sand or cat litter
• Blankets      
• Shovel
• Warm clothing
• Windshield scraper
• Flashlight
• Water
• Non perishable food
• Road or tow chain Jumper cables
• Emergency flares

Winter Weather

While we are in a warm spell, remember that winter officially begins December 21st and lasts until March 19th. During these three months Richmond residents are often faced with times of severe cold which can be accompanied by winter storms that bring snow and ice. Winter Storms are often problematic because they often result in loss of power and communication, and can immobilize an entire region. It is important to be prepared to handle periods of severe cold, snow, and ice. During winter weather events consider minimizing travel on roads as most injuries and deaths are considered secondary and are usually the result of accident or injury. Take measure to prepare both at home and on the road. Consider keeping warm clothes and blankets in your vehicle and ensure your snow shovels are readily accessible in your home.

Watch this video for tips on safe winter driving
Check out this brochure for more Winter Weather Tips 

For current forecast information visit the National Weather Service

Two Year Anniversary and the 2015 Hurricane Season

Two years ago Emergency Management started distributing a monthly newsletter which soon transitioned into this blog. Realizing the need for a forum to provide preparedness tips, historical information, and current events this blog was established. To celebrate our anniversary we are sharing our very fist newsletter on Hurricane Preparedness. We have learned a lot in two years.

June Newsletter 2013

Don't forget Hurricane Season started June 1st and will last until November 30th. While the season is predicted to have below average activity, it only takes one storm to devastate a community. It is important to be prepared year round, and remember as the seasons change so do the risks. Check our webpage often as we change our Spotlight Section to reflect different threats. As always stay tuned to local forecasts when severe weather is expected to impact your area.

Potential Severe Weather - 4/20/2015

Good morning RVA –
 
Today will give the city a potential round of severe weather. Below is a brief on the storm system as well as the risk map from the Storm Prediction Center. We're located in the ‘enhanced’ risk (orange) category, and if you're wondering that entails, also below is the risk category chart that delineates out the levels of severe weather forecasted by SPC.

Advisories/Watches/Warnings: None currently. A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch may be issued at some point this afternoon.

Hazard: Potential for numerous severe storms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds; isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. This storm system produced 4 tornadoes, 237 high wind reports and 139 hail reports yesterday – 4/19 throughout the southeast states.

Temperature: 

o   High: 83

o   Low: 56

Timing: Expect storms between 4pm-9pm

City impact: With this storm system having a history of damaging winds and hail, and expected to impact our area today, the main concerns will be downed trees, power outages and evening rush hour traffic issues. Stay tuned to our social media accounts and for further updates, as needed, later on today. Feel free to share this blog post amongst your friends, family and neighbors.

It's important to remember that severe weather can strike at any time. Are you prepared? Visit http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather for important preparedness tips!

Winter Weather Brief #2 - 2/25 PM

Good afternoon RVAers. We just wanted to share a quick update to build upon our morning brief.

A Winter Storm Warning (upgraded from a watch earlier) has been issued for the city; the timeframe of the warning is the same as the watch (7pm tonight until 1pm tomorrow). The watch was upgraded to a warning due to an increase in the forecasted snowfall totals here in the city as the storm has shifted its track to the northwest. Our partner at NWS Wakefield has noted that this northwest trend may continue (which could allow us to see increased snow totals). As of now, we are slated to receive 3-6 inches of snow. 

Snow is expected to move into Central Virginia between 8pm and 10 pm, and spread east-northeastward throughout the night.

Winter Weather Brief #1 - 2/25 AM

Good morning RVA!
 
Here is your OEM Weather Brief #1 for the impending snow tonight into Thursday. In addition, the current forecasted total snowfall map and timeline of expected temperatures/snow is located at the end of the brief.

Once the snow begins to fall overnight, the City’s Snow Plowing Status Map will go live and you can access it here: https://richssl.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/GIS/snowmap/   

Advisories/Watches/Warnings:

 

• A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 7pm tonight until 1pm tomorrow.

Hazard: Snow; currently 3-4 inches is forecasted.

Wind Speed: Winds will remain steady and minimal (under 10ph) through the duration of the storm.

Temperatures:

• Wednesday Night
• Low: 26
• Thursday
• High: 34
• Low: 18

Timing: Snow is forecasted to begin around 10pm tonight and will begin to exit the area during the early to mid-morning hours of Thursday.

City impact: With the snow falling overnight into the mid-morning hours, there will be high potential for any morning commute issues around and coming into the city – especially on secondary streets. Please take this into consideration for any travel you may need to take tomorrow morning. You can help us keep RVAers safe by checking in on neighbors, especially seniors and those with access and functional needs.