The National Weather Service has upgraded the winter storm advisory to a winter storm warning that goes into effect tonight at 10pm and last through 10pm Sunday night. People in Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Craig, Amherst, Alleghany, and Rockbridge areas can expect to see an estimated 8 inches of heavy snow accumulation as well as a mix of freezing rain and ice. This type of precipitation is among the most hazardous due to its weight and ability to adhere to roadways. In these conditions, ice and snow can easily form on trees, causing extra weight on branches. Expect broken branches and falling trees to knock down power lines and block roadways.
Prepare Now
Do a quick inventory of what you have on hand. Expect to be home for the next few days. Prepare to be home for longer.
Items you will need if the power goes out and you are unable to leave your home:
- an alternate source of heat that is not electric
- bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
- flashlights and extra batteries
- battery operated lantern
- a cell phone charger (solar powered or hand crank)
- food that can be eaten without cooking
- prescriptions
- fill up your vehicle’s gas tank
- pet food
Do Not Go Out Unless You Have To
If you have to leave your home, prepare your vehicle for the road conditions you will be facing.
- Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, flashlights and batteries, a snow shovel and an ice scraper
- Have a fully charged cell phone and an alternate charger
- Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle, including all windows, the roof, and the headlights
- Be sure tires have plenty of tread (Snow tires are best!)
- Dress appropriately (Snow boots, heavy coat, hat and gloves)
- Call 511 to get information on road conditions before you leave
- Tell others where you are going, what time you expect to arrive, and the route you are taking
Once the storm ends, icing conditions tend to linger. Keep this in mind when walking on sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways. Many people are injured due to falls caused by ice formation. The current forecast is predicting a mix of freezing rain and ice that will make pathways and driveways difficult to clear. Treatments of brine and salt are ineffective with below freezing temperatures.
With 26 years of experience in personal injury law, Paul Thomson has the legal expertise to represent you in your personal injury lawsuit. He has obtained several multi-million dollar awards for his clients that have helped them move forward after experiencing life-changing car accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, and medical malpractice. He is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Multi-million dollar advocates. He is also a member of the Virginia State Bar and West Virginia State Bar.
