Incoming Winter Weather
Shout out to all meteorologists in the Roanoke, VA and surrounding areas! Our local weather reporters certainly have their hands full with this week’s forecast. I appreciate anyone who has the absolute fortitude to stand in front of camera and broadcast to hundreds of thousands of people that while it’s their job to predict the weather, this incoming system is throwing them a curveball and they don’t know how its all going to play out in the end. Even though no one is in agreement on what the latest models indicate for wintry weather, the underlying message is the same. Prepare your vehicle now for potentially slick and hazardous road conditions tomorrow.
As of this posting friends in Galax and Hillsville along the North Carolina-Virginia border through the I-77 corridor could see snow accumulating 4 inches or more. As we look further north to the areas of Wytheville and Floyd and to the eastern areas of Danville and Martinsville, accumulation of snow is predicted at 2-4 inches. Coming up I-81 to Radford, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, and Rustburg snow totals are predicted from a trace to 2 inches. Points north of Roanoke can expect a trace to no accumulation of snow on Friday.
In Southwest Virginia, we’ve seen our share of heavy snowfall. My wife and I were just talking about a deep snowfall we had a few years ago. Our youngest was around 3 years old and the snow was so deep it may it hard to see him. While this incoming system seems to be falling short of making headlines or snow angels, it has the potential to put you and those you love in harm’s way.
Due to the timing of this incoming weather pattern, many Virginians will be at work when the snowfall begins. Unfortunately, it is not predicted to be a flash in the pan, and will continue throughout the afternoon into the evening. Just in time, for the sun to go down, temps to fall and most of us to leave our jobs and head home.
Big concerns for those who travel I-81 and I-77. Watch for snow and ice chunks blowing off of tractor trailers. Allow at least two times the following distance to account for slick spots and keep your headlights on for safety.VDOT will be treating these major arteries to minimize risk to those traveling these highways.
As for our other roadways in Virginia, motorists need to maintain complete attention to these roads. If temperatures fall quickly, as many predictions state they will, these roadways can become very slick. Black ice is especially hazardous for roads that are less traveled. Bridges and overpasses tend to ice sooner than the rest of the road and can pose greater risk for harm to drivers and passengers traveling in all types of vehicles. VDOT will treat primary roads (Interstates and highways) before treating secondary roads.
What You Should Do Now to Prepare
- Test your car’s battery. Battery power drops when temperatures are cold.
- Top off wiper fluid and make sure you’re using a formula that is rated for -30 degrees.
- Check the tread on your tires and replace if necessary. Tires should measure no less than 2/32 of an inch deep.
- Maintain adequate tire pressure. Tire pressure changes occur in cooler weather.
- Inspect your windshield wipers. Replace if needed.
- Fill the gas tank.
- Clean your car’s camera lenses.
- Be sure side mirrors are clean and all assisted driving sensors are clear of dirt and debris.
- Examine the contents of your emergency preparedness kit. Replace anything that is missing or has been used.
Keep Safety at Top of Mind
I couldn’t check the weather this morning without first scrolling through the current reports of COVID hospitalizations in the Roanoke Valley. Virginia has reported over 5,000 new cases overnight with close to 400,000 cases statewide. Many of these patients are in area hospitals fighting for their lives. While nurses and doctors scramble to care for patients from the Christmas surge, we would like to express our gratitude to healthcare workers and remind everyone to travel as safely as possible in an effort to avoid needing emergency care at our overwhelmed healthcare facilities. During wintry weather events, if you can stay home, do stay home. If you have to travel, use caution to avoid being injured in a car accident.
Representing You During These Unprecedented Times
The Thomson Law Firm continues to represent victims of personal injury. We are open 24/7 and available to help you. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed due to the negligent actions of someone else, you could be entitled to compensation. Call or text The Thomson Law Firm at (540) 777-4900. All calls are free. You will talk to a skilled intake specialist who will be able to answer questions about your case.
