The Shadow
The first significant winter storm of the season dropped up to 8.5 inches of snow on the Alleghany Highlands Monday and Monday night. At left, a bird braves the snow and cold temperatures by finding a place to perch on a fence. At right, Covington Parks and Recreation worker Kevin Pettitt cleans snow from in front of the Covington Recreation Center on Oak Street Tuesday morning. After a brief warm-up Tuesday, temperatures are expected to plummet to around 4 degrees tonight and Thursday night’s low could reach 4-below zero. Snow showers are also in the forecast for tonight with another round of winter weather possibly on its way for the weekend. (Gavin Dressler Photos)
The first significant winter storm of the season dropped up to 8.5 inches of snow on the Alleghany Highlands Monday and Monday night. At left, a bird braves the snow and cold temperatures by finding a place to perch on a fence. At right, Covington Parks and Recreation worker Kevin Pettitt cleans snow from in front of the Covington Recreation Center on Oak Street Tuesday morning. After a brief warm-up Tuesday, temperatures are expected to plummet to around 4 degrees tonight and Thursday night’s low could reach 4-below zero. Snow showers are also in the forecast for tonight with another round of winter weather possibly on its way for the weekend. (Gavin Dressler Photos)
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The National Weather Service says a bitterly cold Arctic air mass will spread across the Highlands today and Thursday, bringing snow and dangerously low wind childs.
Snow showers and areas of blowing snow are expected to occur until 1 a.m. Thursday, with accumulation of up to an inch possible.
The chance of snow is 80 percent today and 30 percent tonight. A high temperature of 28 degrees is expected today. Tonight’s low is expected to be around 4 degrees, with wind chills as low as minus-7. Westerly winds are expected to be around 11 mph.
The forecast for Thursday is partly sunny and frigid, with a high near 14. Westerly winds are expected to range from 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Thursday night is expected to be partly cloudy with a low of minus-4.
Some places from the Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic may see some of the coldest weather since the mid-1990s. Numerous re-cord low temperatures are expected.
Friday will bring mostly sunny skies, with a high near 25. Friday night’s low will be around 12.
The Weather Service says another storm system could threaten the Highlands this weekend with more winter weather.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain and snow Saturday, with a high near 36. The chance of precipitation will increase to 40 percent Saturday night, with a low of around 27.
Forecast models vary on the amount of snow predicted for Saturday. One forecast model projects an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow Saturday and Saturday night. Another model says the Highlands could received from 5 to 8 inches of additional snowfall.
Sunday, there is again a chance of rain and snow. The chance of precipitation Sunday is 30 percent, with a high of 45 and a low of 23.
Monday will bring another 30 percent chance of rain or snow.
The frigid temperatures come after local residents spent the day Tuesday digging out from a winter storm that dumped heavy snow on the Highlands Monday and Monday night.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Moowaw reported seven inches of snow Tuesday morning.
Snowfall varied in the Highlands, with 6.5 to 7 inches reported in Covington.
Areas of Alleghany County received up to 8.5 inches of snow.
The snow closed area schools and businesses early this week. Government offices were already closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day.
The Alleghany County School Board postponed a scheduled meeting Monday night. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for tonight at the Jackson River Technical Center.
A Tuesday evening budget work session between the Bath County School Board and Bath County Board of Supervisors was also postponed.
No makeup date has been announced.
Precautions Advised
During the dangerous cold spell today and Thursday, state officials are advising residents to protect themselves against serious health problems that result from prolonged exposure.
“We all need to take precautions and be mindful of how much time we are spending out of doors. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, causing cold-weather health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa Dr. Levine.
“Neither of these conditions should be taken lightly, and all Virginians should take the necessary steps to lower their risk of exposure,” she said.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management says that to lower risk, residents should:
— Wear cold weather appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
— Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.
— Stay dry, and if you become wet, head indoors and remove any wet clothing immediately.
— Limit your time outdoors.
— Make sure you monitor the time your children are out in the cold.
— Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
— If the heat in your home doesn’t work properly, contact your local government to find a warming center near you.
— Check on others who might not be able to care for themselves.
Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body.
Severe cases may result in digit or limb amputation. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. The person is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. If you suspect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature caused when your body is losing heat faster than it can be produced. Warning signs may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness. In infants, warning signs may include bright red, cold skin or very low energy. If you notice signs of hypothermia, take the person’s temperature. If the body temperature is below 95 degrees, it’s an emergency; seek medical attention immediately.
