Sunday morning coming down: Snow falling in much of SW Virginia, heaviest yet to come
The world has turned white where I live, some 300-500 feet above most of the Roanoke Valley. It’s now about half an inch deep on grass, exposed objects, trees at my south Roanoke County location, and there are similar reports southward into the even higher elevations. “White rain” — snow melting on contact — may continue for a few more hours at some lower elevations, with temperatures gradually dropping through the day, heavier periods of snow perhaps collecting slushy white on grass and car tops and trees and such. All of this is just the preliminary action, with significant accumulations of 3-plus inches depending largely on the action of the upper-level low moving south of us later today. The combination of deeper moisture, much colder air aloft and atmospheric action with the low dropping temperatures further will give us the best chance of heavier snow. Where exactly any bands that could produce 5-plus inches of snow set up will be a matter of watching the radar and following ground observations. A lot of modeling suggests this could be a little south of the Roanoke-Blacksburg area, but details like that are often not modeled perfectly in a complicated atmospheric setup like this. In the meantime, whatever snowfall occurs before the mid-afternoon to mid-evening period is bonus.
February 19, 2012 - 10:52 AM
RSS feed 
Couple hrs of light snow here in Pulaskitown …temp falling slowly, heavier snowfall for a time now …cars and grass covered …some snow beginning to stick to pavement, sidewalks …calm winds
It’s snowing again in Troutville…much harder this time, and now it’s starting to stick!
Had a bit of a lull for 45 mins. Just started snowing hard and falling fast again. Briefly mixed with sleet when it restarted now all snow. Temp 31. Grass and Deck all white. Starting to stick to the pines pretty good.
Don’t post here much, but a long time lurker! Snowing moderately in Radford (1941 ft IMBY) for the past 45 minutes or so. Grass and vehicles have a good covering and it’s still coming down! Here’s to hoping those heavier bands set up shop a little further north!
On 220 South, at “Summit” up the hill just past “Outback,” at 1,425-feet…
Have had a couple bursts of heavier, mid- large-sized flakes, now snowing
moderately, AND STICKING atop cars, rooftops, trees, grass, everywhere
except sidewalks and roads. ALREADY got 1/4″ – 1/2″… My “edu-guess”
regarding temp. is 35-37 degrees. Keep those Cards-and-Letters COMIN’ IN!
We had small blast of snow earlier around 9:30 in Buchanan. However, it’s stopped. Are we likely to miss the whole event?
Oops, I forgot to mention my elevation in the two comments I made on previous thread recently. 1420 feet, more than 200 feet higher than most of Electric Road, possibly 300 feet higher than the Ridgewood Farms/Lewis Gale intersection which forms the tri-border of Roanoke city, Roanoke County, and Salem. But I am nowhere near as high as wd and other folks who live in the highest spots of this 24018 zip. And even though I am a measly 20 feet higher than Kevin’s house, he seems to have a bit more snow cover right now (I am assuming that the picture at the top of this thread is of his back deck).
Light snow starting to fall in SE part of Rockingham County (central Shen. Valley)…36 degrees…let’s hope it keeps moving up the Valley!!
Snow starting to ‘creep in’ on the driveway/sidewalk. I think due more to intensity than temp change. Snowing about 9 on a 1-10 scale now. Roads are turning white before my very eyes due to intensity.
Like the Chris Christopherson title on this thread btw Kev.
Oh, by the way, Kevin and others, I advise against measuring the snow depth on railings of decks. The deck floor is fine. I noticed a couple of times years ago when we had an outdoor deck (we transformed it into a covered porch about 3 years ago) that the snow depth on the railing was about 0.5 to 1 inch higher than on the floor of the deck, which made little sense to me. But I asked a weatherman about it, and he told me that there is something weird about the deck railing that catches more snow than other areas, at least when the amounts are relatively small. It seems just the opposite of common sense, but there it is.
My mention of snow depth was not a direct measurement, just an estimate. I’d say we’re creeping close to 1 inch now, perhaps about 3/4 or so.
Air temp has held at 35 according to my remote sensor thermometer. Suspect it may err a little warm, probably more like 33-34, judging by how snow is accumulating.
Sticking a little on the grass here at 100 ft. Rke/Salem line.
Laura, I just read your 8:06 comment. Wish I had kept reading just a few more comments at 8:45 or so. I would have urged you to go. Radar quiet now along the I-64 corridor, both east and west of I-81. But I suppose it is too late for you now. Besides, things could change drastically and my advice might have ended up really bad. That is, assuming that you also planned to drive back to Botetourt this evening. If all you needed to do was to drive to Richmond area this morning, and you could stay there overnight and through early tomorrow morning, I bet that it would have worked out OK. Kevin wisely never gives out travel advice, (wisely because of his position on this blog) but I will. And I try to err a bit on the side of safety, too.
I’m at about 1400′ give or take according to Google maps. It is not sticking here much at all. Been coming down for a while but mostly melting. Last I looked temp was at 34.
Moderate to heavy snow here in Woodlawn,but looks like not much to the south of us on the radar.gonna have to wait (and hope) the stuff later on shifts a little more east for us to get the 4-6 being called for. And,as I said yesterday,just had to send my partner out to deliver a calf in this!! Never fails.
Kevin, any thoughts on northern Virginia at this time (Culpeper)?
Starting to see just a bit of snow sticking on the street in front of my house, and much on our driveway. Heavier band now. Even if air temp is a little above freezing, heavier snow can sometimes accumulate on roads.
Still snowing in SE Roanoke City. Grass is white, but sidewalks and trees are not even close – still melting on contacting. WTC shows 30 dew and 35 degree’s in 24013. Stead light to moderate snow – occasional big flakes. Will need to drop a few degrees and some bigger flakes before the sidewalk or street will try to cover.
Heavy snow here in Salem by the river… Everything except pavement turning white in a hurry now.
Snowing more heavily SW of Pulaskitown (elev 1920) …experiencing occasional breakup of DirecTV signal …1/2-3/4 in on cars, grass …pavement wet …temp continues to drop – 34 now
Is there a quick and easy way to find out what the elevation is where you live? I live in Fairlawn (adjacent to Radford), and I truly have no idea.
The snow is coming down at a healthy steady clip here, visibility near zero. All cars, grass, rooftops, snow covered, perhaps .5 inches but I’m purely eye-balling it. The biggest development of the last 10 minutes has been that the parking lot outside my window is turning white, no more than a white dusting (but steadily getting whiter).
Starting to see a few flurries here. Temp is 40 degrees
Heavy snow on da Knob with close to 1-1/2″ on my board. Roads are covered in most places.
Sam of 8:21 comment: FYI, I just looked up the elevation of the Brambleton/Roselawn Road intersection (just SW of the corner of Colonial Avenue and Brambleton) on Google Earth …. 1147 feet. So your elevation is roughly 1250 feet. If you give me/us the elevation of the nearest intersection to your house, I will look that up and tell you what it is, if you are interested.
Snowed like crazy here from 10:15-11:00. Made almost 2″, but now I see a big nothing hole on the radar heading north from NC and I don’t expect much for the next couple of hours. We always seem to get dry slotted.
Moderate to heavy snow now in Blacksburg (approx. 2200 ft where I live). About 2″ of heavy wet snow on the grass and we just hit the magic 32 degree mark. The roads in the neighborhood are just starting to get snow covered.
Hey, clarkdocvet, do you suppose that there is something about a storm or lowering barometric pressures that might cause a mother cow to give birth? I have no idea, but you mentioned that “it never fails.” I wish I could go back in time and ask my dad or one of his siblings that question …. he was born and raised on a dairy farm 35 WSW of Boston.
Just got back from church in Vinton, and noticed a pretty large difference between there and my house (SW Roanoke county). More snow on the roads here and looks like we are already close to an inch on the grass. By the look of the radar, I think we are in for a long, snowy day. Everyone enjoy!
Railings will have more snow than deck boards because air can pass all around the railing. Deck boards are tight together and against the house in most cases and trap more heat along with ground heat.
Commahead looking good to wrap up and right through this afternoon. I think business will pick up between 2 and 3. Gettin excited about the next 6 to 8 hours.
Kevin, What do you expect for old south west. I love snow!
Good grief! Just looked up from the computer screen and looked outside. Winter has arrived here!! I am SOOOO glad that tomorrow is a federal holiday!! Steady snow falling straight down now and it looks like 3/4 inch on my back steps, possibly an inch. My wife has gone to H&R Block to work on tax returns, and even though her commute home will be uphill instead of down (which I always consider much safer in snow), I have to monitor what Sugar Loaf Mountain Road looks like. Electric Road/419 in front of her office is probably just wet. Sam Oakey, are you out there? You can definitely cancel the memorial/funeral service for Old Man Winter tomorrow. Sorry, Most Valuable “Player.” By the way, for newcomers here, Sam Oakey is a diehard Snow Hater, perhaps even a bit more diehard than I am. His alleged ability to change snow threats to busts or reduced amounts is legendary on this blog … just ask Frosty the Snowman! It is part of the fun of this blog.
Very surprised at how well it’s sticking here in Downtown.
Base of Bent Mt.
Enough snow that neighborhood kids are now using saucers on driveways. At least 2 inches on elevated surfaces. All driveways are completely covered but intensity has abated a little. Melt rate may again start to exceed snowfall rate. Road is still somewhat clear.
Doug @11:32 -
Thanks for the advice. It’s actually not the trip there that worried me, it’s the trip home, which I would have had to make this evening, in fading light on slick roadways in a car with an ailing transmission. So I’m staying home, but feeling guilty as all get-out about it.
I’m noticing the snow that was accumulating in my driveway is starting to melt and on radar that there looks to be a break coming. Are temps supposed to rise anymore today?
I just went outside to take measurements at my house in Bedford. I measured 1/2 an inch of snow. This is significant because I just avoided the first seasonal snowfall shutout of my life.
I’m starting to get jealous here with all the snow totals. We’ve got nothing here in Narrows. Nada! There’s some snow mixing with the rain, but it’s mostly rain here still. The temperature went up to 40 earlier, but has come back down to 37 and the mountains around us are getting it. So I haven’t completely given up hope. Yet. Sigh. Patience was never my strong suit.
Ok…now we are talking! Sticking on all surfaces now except the tire tracks in the driveway. Temp just made it down to 32. Very gorgeous snowfall I do have to say!
Finally – it’s snowing in Gala! Had a brief period of snow around 9:30, then nothing until now. It’s moved rapidly from barely to obviously flurrying, but still nothing on the ground. A big thank you to Kevin for keeping us all informed, and to everyone out there clearing the roads so those who need to travel can do so safely. I’m planning a “snow-in” whether we get the snow or not – it would be a shame to waste all the firewood, good books, beef stew and cookie-makings…
2 inches of heavy accumulation in Rural Retreat, a little light snow at present.
Sticking everywhere! Took a trip up to the star a little while ago. Roads were fine on the way up but after five minutes on the mountain we started to come down on snow covered roads. It was worth the trip though because it was a winter wonderland up there. Awesome. Here are some pics of the star and one of our courtyard in South Roanoke…
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/star1.jpg
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/star2.jpg
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/star3.jpg
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/star4.jpg
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/star5.jpg
http://sponsorhounds.com/snow2012/southroanoke1.jpg
Enjoy the snow!!!
Tayree – cold air has kind of backed in from the northeast, so it may not be penetrating all the valleys over there in Giles yet. It’s also the reason some of West Virginia above our latitude like Charleston has been having rain. I think you’ll get your snow when the upper low gets in prime position later.
Now 32 in Blacksburg and 33 in Roanoke officially. Ahead of schedule at both sites.
It dropped to 32.8 45 minutes ago but it’s creeped (or is it crept..or is that a word lol) back up to 33.5…as it continues to snow. We’re just a smidge under an inch of snow. Still isn’t quite sticking to driveway or road but all rock areas in yard are covered so if this continues much longer….woohoo
Kevin, any comments on where we head from here. Seems like cold and snow are a little ahead of schedule, but maybe a small break coming up? When does the bigger expected stuff hit Blacksburg and then Roanoke and is that looking more or less dangerous for roads than previopusly thought?
Thanks
Griggsy, I gave my “concession speech” earlier, probably while you were sleeping half the day away!
Kevin: my temp is 33 and dew point is 31. If my temp drops two more degrees, won’t that mean fog? Or is that rule nullified in snow?
I realize we are probably past looking at models, but I see that the 12z GFS has the 6″ sweet spot right in the Roanoke Valley. But at this point I don’t really care, any snow is condolence for this mild winter!
I think the meat of this storm is still going to be from 3 to 9 p.m. or so when the upper low gets more south of us. It is a little ahead of schedule I would say for accumulations and temperatures in the Roanoke area for sure. Interested to see how the heavier bands set up once we get more into the ‘comma head’ of the storm.
Snows covered everything here EXCEPT, that big pot of chili beans I’ve got going.
Thanks, Kevin. I’m keepin’ the faith and willing the temperature to go down.
Went out to my deck and snow measured around 2 1/2 inches, with a temp of 28. We’re just off the Parkway at around 2800 feet. Snow had tapered off a little but has started picking up again. I liked Kate’s comment about the beef stew, since we’re also making some today. Great day for stew!
Kevin, are they still thinking the southern track of the storm? Radar doesnt look that way..
Approximate elevation 1138 ft (thank you Google Earth) and snowing steady since about 9:30am (when I first checked). I am 1/2 block up from the Coffee Pot. The grass is white, with just a few open spots, shrubs and trees are the same. The driveway was covered, but in the last 30 minutes it all melted. Weird. I think one of the reasons we are getting this snow is because Sam Oakey has NOT posted anything on the blog. The mere mention of his name can turn snow to rain – what is up with that?
All the chatter about elevation makes me smile…why?
I was enthusiastically telling my daughter about how excited I was to have snow here on my mountain in Masons Crest. She started laughing at me and said, “Mom, you live on a “hill!”
I replied that I do indeed live on a mountain and a disagreement ensued.
I proceeded to install an app and found my elevation to be 1360ft.
Guess I should explain that she lives in CO and found that her elevation is 8500 ft.
She won…guess I DO live on a “hill”!!
Anybody out there got some short-term memory cells they could give or lend to me?!?! AAARRRGGGHHHH. For the 2nd time today I simply forgot to enter the CAPTCHA CODE, which results in one’s comment being eaten by the 500 lb. Captcha monster. Walter, I have experienced the same problem with the Directv satellite signal that you mentioned, but I think mine will be out of commission for quite a while. The wind seemed to be out of the SE earlier today, and that has allowed snow to form on my satellite dish. Until the winds move more into the NE, I doubt if the snow will melt up there. Unfortunately for me, our dish is hopelessly out of reach, way up on the roof in one of the corners that is highest above the ground. At least I am still receiving local channels, which means that I can still watch the Boston Bruins game at 3PM (they will prob’ly lose again) and the PGA Tour golf. Don’t care much about today’s NBA games on ABC, although I would be rooting against one team in each game. But lots more fun to be on this blog!!!
So far around the Airport/Hollins area it has been coming down pretty good for the past hour or two. Only sticking to the cars and grass, roads still clear but wet. Though it only started to stick to the cars around 11:45-12:00.
Very heavy snow in Lynchburg..
Looks like from the radar Roanoke will be in a dry slot from around 2 until 4pm at which time the bigger part of the storm starts.
Kevin, I definitely agree with your 12:26 PM comment. Heaviest stuff still ahead. And with a layer of snow already on grassy surfaces (at least here and at your house, and Nancy has already come back home and said it was already starting a bit down at her workplace near North Cross School and Annie Moore’s restaurant), anything more falling sticks and accumulates on the grassy areas at least. I have a crucial question for you, Kevin, upcoming in a couple of minutes. I want it to be at the start of a comment.
It has now been snowing fairly steady for hour. We are at 1628 ft and it is covering grass, sides of roads and deck!
Still nothing going on here in Fluvanna. Radar shows rain, but nothing falling. its 44 degrees on my super unscientific house-mounted thermometer,
Doug, I have the same plans for today! Be on the blog and watch sports! I’m especially cheering for Mickelson to win again! He’s my favorite golfer!
Right now, snowing moderately (location is in my blog name). About 1 inch on the ground! And this is only bonus snow, not yet from the ULL! So excited!
Looking at the radar, I do think it is POSSIBLE the heavy snow bands later set up maybe a bit north of where we were thinking earlier today. Also possible the entirety of the snow band ends up expanding northward into some of the state north of I-64, for those asking. It’s kind of a watch-the-radar game now.
I am surprised to see this much snow sticking on so widespread a basis — especially in the Roanoke area — as early as it has.
I see Mikey learned how to pronounce Wytheville.
Light snow and 33 here.
Important question for KM: How long do you think the moderate (or at times even heavier?) snow will fall here within 50 miles of Roanoke?? That is crucial, because if the precip area is still expected to move slowly, and it will still be snowing moderately at midnight and even later, the snow amounts will pile up, no doubt about it (unless the snow lever’s nemesis, a “nose” of warm air aloft, develops). Is this storm picking up speed in its overall movement, moving moderately, moving slowly, or stalling?
Just reached the 2 inch mark on my deck – Elliston, 2022 feet. Woo hoo loving the snow!
About 1 inch of snow in Bedford. Heavy snow was falling for awhile, but it’s down to Light Snow now. It’s not sticking to the roads here yet.
Kevin-Any chance of thunder snow later today? Incredible red returns on radar near KY/TN border. Also, up to 2″ in Blacksburg with temp at 31. Is there any reason not to expect 12″ in Blackburg at this rate – I mean the WSW is in effect for another 17 hours and snow rates have been near 1″ per hour. Seems like simple math, with the heaviest stuff not even here yet.
HokieTrax, have you arrived in Blacksburg yet? I am glad that you had no snow to drive through until you reached Bristol (at least), but sorry that you had to drive through some (heavy?) rain. I may have steered you wrong. For the past hour there has been little or no precip over the southernmost 8 miles of I-77 in the Fancy Gap area, and the entire I-77 corridor from Charlotte to the NC/Virg. border looks pretty quiet since noon. Anyone been driving on I-77 at any location between Charlotte and Fancy Gap since 7 AM today? I am just curious.
Picture this…Fincastle…an hour ago…Scott goes to eat at his favorite Chinese buffet for lunch at CL ASIA in Daleville. The ground is green and bare and maybe a flurry or two as Robin Reed would sometimes say…hehe…go enjoy my lunch pigging out on black peeper chicken, General Tso’s chicken and egg rolls and when I exit the building…it’s a veritable winter wonderland with snow falling as hard as I’ve seen it and an inch on the ground!
SPC issued a mesoscale discussion for SW and Western Virginia for heavy snow.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md0135.html
I love it all it will do is make the totals higher!! I know “10″ last night felt there would be nothing to measure until 5-6, so this is just gravy I think.
wd, within a few minutes of posting my blather about deck railings and snow, I realized that railings do have cold air circulating under them, and thus would provide a colder surface for the snow. They are similar to bridges in that general type of way. You are absolutely right again …. don’t you get tired of being right such a high percentage of the time?? LOL Some updates from my 1420 foot elevation here. At noon temp was 34* and I had exactly 1 inch on my back steps. Temp has since fallen to 33*, and the snow machine is back on again. I drove out to Sugar Loaf Mountain Road, and most of it was simply wet, although there were small areas just downhill from my street (in the dangerous S-curve about 100 yards north of Longridge Drive) that had minimal areas of very shallow slush. I took care of them by driving over them 3 times …. my tire temps were over 50 degrees because the car had been in our garage.
Interesting they mentioned Roanoke in the MD about dynamic cooling and how it was particularly observed in Roanoke and the dropping temperatures throughout the column. Also mentioned a possibility of thundersnow once the low gets into prime position.
33 degrees and moderate snow in Raleigh Court new Patrick Henry.
A bit of teasing from the snow gods, because my snow in SW Roanoke City lightened up considerably, but just kicked back into full gear! Temp still at 33.3, with stickage on all but road.
G Girl, someone must’ve left a chunk of Kryptonite around my home, as I seem powerless during this storm! Wish I was IN the Coffee Pot!!
Hey, Nick, what is your elevation? If you don’t know it, just give me a crossroads (I will need the “names” of the roads I bet, not the route numbers) and I will look it up. meanwhile, I will try to find the elevation of Blacksburg Country Club. Great to hear from you, as always, Nickster!!
Just reached Roanoke after leaving Charlotte at 8, with a few stops along the way. Interstates were clear but I-77 was starting to get sketchy in Carroll County when we went through. Happy to see the snow still falling once we came off Christiansburg mountain
SPC mentions possible Thundersnow later this afternoon.
Nick, Blacksburg Country Club is “only” 1505 feet, just a bit higher than KM and me. I knew that the Ellett Valley is quite a bit lower than the two “burgs,” …. Blacksburg proper and Christiansburg, but I am surprised that the difference is that much.
Snowing heavy again here in Bedford.
Sam Oakey, do you have any major “events” planned for tomorrow morning? I hope not, because this long-time veteran of snowstorms is really beginning to think that we are headed for a possible 8 inches, at least at Kevin’s house and at my house. This layer of white stuff already on the ground is about 4 or 5 hours earlier than I expected last night, and everything from now on piles up. Good luck and best wishes, compatriot!!
I think being placed inside an SPC mesoscale dicussion for 1-inch-per-hour snow rates might can the “bust” talk for good — if it verifies, of course.
Doug: I think there could be about 6 hours of moderate to occasionally heavy snowfall. Averaging 1/2 inch an hour, that would be 3 inches. If it averages more — well, you see what it might be.
Ben-thanks for posting the SPC link – you just answered the question I had-looks like thunder snow is a possiblity! Now, if someone in the NRV can just report 12″ we will be golden.
Kevin, I have a long gravel drive and noticed the very heavy snow rate was winning the battle of sticking. But, when the snow slowed down, the gravel seemed to “catch up” and melt the snow. I am wondering if this type of cycle could keep snow amounts a little lower. I know eventually that the snow will win out, but hasn’t so far here in Pulaski. Plenty on the ground but nothing on the driveway.
Coming down pretty heavy now, and starting to stick
Radar shows snow crossing over I64! Kevin, does it seem to you this storm has shifted a little north? It still looks on radar like everything is moving off toward the northeast, which would bring Harrisonburg, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg back into play! Please explain if I am wrong about this.
Very pretty snowfall. Coming home from church I drove by the Roanoke River. I noticed that the flakes were so big that you could actually see them hitting the water – as if someone had thrown a rock in. Thought that was pretty neat. Also seems to be more snow on the ground in Vinton than there was over near Williamson Road. I too am surprised that we are getting this much from the first “round”. I would love to have a thundersnow event!
Thanks,KM, for your thoughts. So you think that nearly all the snow will be done locally by midnight?? And thanks, RP, for your report about your drive this morning. Did you have much rain while driving, or mostly dry?
That’s kind of typical for a borderline wet snow event, Mark. Eventually that cycle may get thwarted by colder temps/longer period of heavy snow.
I will have something new up after 2. But now, something far more important — a 2-year-olds first real snow encounter!
So the storm prediction center issues this report how we in the zone for an inch per hour. Seriously? Are they saying it will happen or could happen? That will push totals to 8 – 10 inches if not higher. Is 12 inches a serious possibility?
Just spoke to my son who lives in downtown Richmond, about a block off Monument, and he said it was coming down pretty hard. He was here (SalemO, but left early this AM to get back over Afton before things got too bad. Other son at JMU said nothing there when I talked to him awhile back. I watched it snowing hard the whole time during church today. I wasn’t the only one distracted by the snow.
It’s sticking! It’s sticking! Finally, our snow day out here in Narrows begins!
By the way, does anyone here have loved ones in eastern Kentucky, but not at the WV and Virginia borders? I have two wunderground NEXRAD radar windows open, and the one that covers the area all the way from Arkansas to Roanoke is showing bright white area of what has got to be heavy snow falling in that general area. Want to read something that I consider strange, and certainly unusual? There is still no snow (in fact, no precip) in Charleston, WV, and the areas of SW WV well west of Princeton/Bluefield area are getting rain. The easternmost county in Kentucky is getting what shows up on radar as heavy rain.
I am in mid-Grayson county at about 3700′ and looking west. Piddly snow falling now but not much accumulation. Looking west towards Mt. Rogers can’t see a thing..so just crossing my fingers the mountains are still there and that we get at least a foot of snow soon. Love the snow.
Kevin-love the Johnny Cash reference on the blog title. Very clever.
Been snowing steady in Penn Forest since the flurries started around 8:30 am. I was away earlier and the family swiped the deck clean, but I measured 1-1/2 inches a little while ago and they said they swept a solid 1/2 inch or more off the railings. So that makes 2!
I just texted a friend in downtown Staunton at 1:15 and said he has not gotten anything yet. At the same time, my sister in Buckingham said they got about 1/2 inch.
Just got news that my speaking event got canceled. Now I can relax and say “let it snow”. Not sure how many people were going to come out at this point anyway.
IN Blacksburg I think we are very close to sticking on untreated roads.
Deer netting around my garden has come down with the snow. Perhaps more things will come down. Will that be the story of this storm, fallen branches/power lines?
Sam Oakey (and everybody), isn’t that heartwarming what Kevin just posted about his young son’s first snow encounter?? Kevin, if you read this soon, forget about making any comments here yourself and build him a snowman!! I think the last time I built a snowman was in a year in which the next-to-last digit began with a “5.” I don’t remember much, but I do remember/know that a wet snow like this one was much better than an all-powder snow. And parents who were looking forward to having your kids enjoy a snowman and building one, you obviously can forget my comment of 2 days (?) ago that you needed to build it quickly. You probably could even wait until tomorrow morning, but the ideal time would be this evening.
Hey Kevin,
Nice reference to the Kris Kristofferson song on your update. Pretty clever!
And boy, it is coming down, alright, trees are heavy with snow and really beautiful!
Have 2.5 in. of snow on deck now snowing moderately 32 degrees.Sammy maybe I have broken you anti snow shield .
Currently not snowing here in Woodlawn,we are in a small doughnut hole on the radar. Have about 3/4 inch so far but looks like (I hope) it will pick back up a little later. I sure hope so or I will have wasted a lot of snow day calories on banana pancakes for breakfast and chilli for supper
I just got a ‘snow headache’, about 15 minutes ago. Nothing scientific about it, except I usually get them when we are going to get a lot of snow. It probably has something to do with the barometric pressure and my sinuses. Sam O: I suggest you check with the TWLS posse to see if they tried to put the ‘whammy’ on you – HA!
Some possible discouraging news for those of you who believe the more the merrier, when it comes to snowfall amounts. I give an oath to God that I did not mean it intentionally, but no sooner had I posted my comment about a possible 8 inches for local areas, and I see a dry slot about to possibly come into the Roanoke valley from the south or SSW. Nothing happening right now (if the radar I am looking at is accurate) in most parts of Grayson and Carroll counties, and a lot less coverage in Floyd County than an hour ago, too. However, southwest of Grayson in northwestern NC it is snowing.
Julia, I have a cousin that lives in Colorado who teases me all the time. He tells me I live in the foothills, lol.
Kroger was busy but I only had to endure it for 4 hours. Plenty of milk and bread left if anyone needs it!(Surprised!)
When I left my house at 8 AM in Fairlawn there was sleet, turning to snow as I was driving out of the neighborhood. Around 1 PM I headed to a house over in Christiansburg (pet sitting) and am really worried about the wires a few trees are leaning against going up the road. Right now the tension isn’t so bad but if this wet snow continues, it might be.
KM: We would love to see some pictures of that snow encounter!
Snow just started about 10 minutes ago in Staunton, off and on.
Hey, Mark of Pulaski (and fellow snow hater, right? God bless you!!), a gravel driveway is the absolute best driveway to have to avoid a build-up of ice. In my many years of experiencing winter weather, I don’t ever remember seeing ice on a gravel driveway. Ice does much “better” at forming on a level, smooth surface. Gravel has zero smooth surfaces. I also think that snow is a bit less likely to pile up on a gravel driveway than a paved one, but wd would know more about that.
Still coming down hard, but having trouble sticking and accumulating.
HOME! Hokieburg Exit 118B – we were so glad to see it. Doug – taking the Chattanooga/Knoxvillle way was absolutely the right thing to do. It rained from Auburn all the way past Bristol and then turned white. We hit a few scary areas on the higher elevated area of 81. Salt trucks and plows were out in force. Saw about a half dozen cars that had run off the road from there to Hokieburg. Students did driving from 3 AM to 10 AM and I took over after that. As I watched cars take the I-77 exit to Charlotte off of 81, I wondered if they knew what could be ahead. Whole trip took 9 hrs. Thanks to all for their suggestions and well wishes. Exhausted but happy to be home, having some hot soup.
An update from the former Brownsville location (my house). Almost exactly 6 months ago I was bitching and moaning big time about the lack of rain in my neighborhood, and how at least twice (I think it was thrice) it rained hard on me while I was delivering mail, but then came home to a dry driveway. Invoked the Khan and Kirk byplay from Star Trek 2 movie a couple of times. Anyway, I have the absolute classic Southwest Virginia “Neat Snowstorm” right now. I have exactly two inches on my back steps (took three measurements, all the same) but absolutely zippo-nada-zilch on my front walk, driveway, and of course the street in front of my house. Temp had dropped to 33* at 1 PM (nice going, TWC!!), but recently it edged back up to 34*. Snowfall rate has dropped way off, to a snizzle (= “snow drizzle”).
No snow falling here in Floyd for past 30 minutes. The roads are completely clear, so it’s a great time to take a quick drive and see the sights in downtown Floyd. I love snow, but I hate being shut in, so this event has been perfect for me. Two inches are on the grassy surfaces.
Got into Lexington around 1340; encountered first flakes at 1320 by exit 213 on 81/64 but it only started really coming down as we passed Fairfield at 1330. Hope hokie tax is safe.
Murphy’s Law of blog commenting … whenever you post something about how recent conditions have changed, your comment will induce the opposite to happen. I just posted a few minutes ago that snowfall was down to a snizzle. Well, now it is coming down again at a light-to-moderate rate. This comment will either induce a change to moderate-heavy, or a return to snizzle.
Goodview temp has ticked back up to 32.7 with light snow. Total now at 1.75 inches
Have just over 2 inches here on the deck and snowing steadily; North Fork Road near Ellett, 1,800 feet, now 30 degrees, winds NE 4mph, barometer 29.84 and falling. Visibility now low; can’t see past the ridge we live on into the valley looking towards Blacksburg. Gravel driveway still mostly clear, though losing that battle fast. Trees now have a heavy frosting of snow on limbs.
Glad you made it home, HokieTrax. Where exactly was the going the worst on I-81? Around Marion and Smyth County and the west side of Wythe County? Or in Pulaski County? Or on that big uphill climb from the bridge over the New River at Radford (Mile marker 105 is on that bridge) to the rest area at roughly mile marker 108? I posted a comment somewhere on this thread indicating that you might actually have had an easier drive going via Charlotte and Statesville (possibly a lot less rain), but that all depends on what the humonguos uphill climb from the NC border up to Fancy Gap was like.
Hey, Doppler Gal and wd, has it stopped snowing at your homes yet? Sure looks like it has stopped in Floyd County, D. Carol. I now have three http://www.wunderground radar sites open on different windows!! THIS SURE BEATS HAVING TO DELIVER MAIL DOOR-TO-DOOR AND UP STEPS IN THIS WEATHER!!!!
We’re down to about 31 at 1200′ south Lexington, VA, and it’s snowing hard. About 2 inches on the ground already. Cam shot updated every few minutes: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17719997/LWCWeb/cam.html
Heavy Snow for the last 30 mins. Picked up an inch in that short period of time.
Doppler Carol checking in from near the Doppler radar in Floyd County -elevation 2546 ft; 30 F (was 33 about an hour ago). It has been snowing off and on all morning from tiny flakes to medium flakes. Still coming out of the east/southeast. My gravel drive is still bare and so is our (gravel) road. The tips of the grass in the yard are still visible – have not measured snow depth yet.
Rigel – good to hear from you – I know you enjoyed your coffee – Hope you are doing fine.
Soozinne – I made a trip into Floyd this morning too – for a Roanoke Times – they don’t deliver down my road. Bet I passed you coming or going.
You got goats? I will have to stop and talk to you. We just rescued 3.
Jonathan Allen in Fairlawn -Elevation in Fairlawn at Rt. 114 and Walmart Blvd is 1897 and at Riverlawn Elem. it is 1859. I downloaded Google Earth to my computer and use it for elevations.
Good to hear from everyone in Floyd County – Dave in Copper Hill, Jonathan in Alum Ridge, Jim N.Floyd, Soozinne around the corner from me and of course Rigel. I know there others from Floyd County who post – how are things in your neck of the woods? Keep your comments coming in.
Oh the Man of the House aka Igor wants to know if the snow is over. HaHa! I need to bring him up to date.
This dry slot will be very short-lived, I think. Precip already moving back into the southern halves of Grayson and Carroll counties and heading NNE toward Floyd County and the Roanoke valley. The local radar site is showing some mixed precip throughout most of Carroll County right now. Johnny of Hillsville, you out there? Can you verify? It is very strange … only Carroll county is showing the mix. All snow in Grayson. Snow is holding up at a light pace here, just a bit heavier than a snizzle. According to NEXRAD radar, it stopped snowing here about 10 or 15 minutes ago. Not true.
It has been snowing in the Boonsboro area of Lynchburg since 11:30. 3 inches on the grass and deck. Half inch of slush on the drive and neighborhood road. Still snowing moderately. If it cranks up this evening and freezes, we will have a mess.
Well we were looking good a while ago but after a dry slot virtually all day – - what has filled back in is mixed with alot of sleet in Carroll County. Also starting to think the deform band misses us to the NE – - Major bust Galax- Hillsville – Grayson – Boone – Maybe even Floyd to an extent looking somewhat likely .
And for the record. I hate the weather. -_____________-
HEAVY snow just started back up in Woodlawn! Radar has filled in all the way to the south ofBoone,
NC. Maybe now we will start to see some real accumulation here.
@Doug. Yes, gravel does resist ice as it crunches under the weight of a car. But, snow has no favorites when it piles up. The downside of gravel is that sometimes it HAS to be plowed when the snow gets deep enough. The problem with plowing is if you try to get all the snow, you take some gravel too. And, even if you leave a little snow some gravel “sticks” in the snow you’re rolling to the side. Always fun when it melts and you get to rake it out of the ditches. And, yes, I am a snow hater (that’s another story). But, I must admit this current event isn’t too bad. Roads are still clear and it’s gonna be gone in a couple of days.
Midafternoon total here is 1.8 inches with very light sleet falling at the moment. Temp is 34 and snow has already melted off on the driveway (yay! no plowing needed yet) and the measurable accumulation is now just on the grass areas, deck and cars. I am quite under the weather today (pardon the pun, probably from the germs I picked up traveling last week) so didn’t get outside until just now but did see moderate snowfall with accumulation everywhere earlier looking out window before I dragged myself out of bed. The accumulation is melting around the edges so accumulation totals were likely higher this morning before the snowfall waned heading into the afternoon and the sleet/melting starting reducing the depth on my snowboard. Winds are very calm as they were last night.
The heavy big flakes from earlier have given way to a steady misty snow here in the Grandin Village in Roanoke. I am feeling that this is just a break and I am looking forward to the “the main event”.
Snow has slacked off to almost nothing in Salem. Hope it picks back up and starts actually accumulating. My guess would be less than an inch currently in the grassy areas. Melting is going on too – the roof on the building across from me was completely coated, now half of it is clear.
I have drove I77 Basically from Ft Chiswell, to the South Carolina border, and back to Pulaski Co…It is my job to do so…
Left at about 7 AM… Nothing but rain, and the thermometer reading 42 degrees when I left…. Got to Charlotte just before 9 AM, and started back 5 minutes after I got their, more rain, some very heavy rain around Statesville, until I got to the foot of Fancy Gap MTN.
Than what I call the “dogs breakfast” {rain, snow, sleet, kitchen sink) till about Grahams Forge, than all snow. Unsure of the time, maybe around 1130
Came back over Draper Mtn, on RT11, the north “Pulaski” side of the mtn, was getting a bit slick, but one I crossed over the top, the road cleared all the way back home.
Dry slot has just about arrived here, about 1 mile south of the Allstate building and just off Sugar Loaf Mountain Road, elev. 1420. Very light snizzle, practically nothin’
Mark in Pulaski,
Totally agree with what you said. Got a driveway well over a mile long and that is a lot of gravel lost when plowing the road. Hate raking lost gravel back onto roadway! I have found that gravel roads are more prone to thicker ice if snow melts and refreezes as melted snow doesn’t drain away as quickly as smooth roads.
Here is some outstanding news for snow fans, although snowman-building Kevin might put the damper on this. I have been looking at the western edge of this system (in eastern Kentucky, but still a long way from the Virginia border) and the southwestern edge of the system, in northeastern part of Tenn., and neither of them are moving east. Practically at all. Maybe 5-10 miles in the past hour. We could have snow lasting well past midnight if this situation lingers.
GRAYSON COUNTY, 32 degrees and it is coming down now, got nearly an inch in approx. 20 minutes. Let it snow, let it snow! The weather outside is frightful but in my home it is delightful! Just hope AEP doesn’t disappoint me. Donkeys, goats and chickens are enjoying their new barn.
Thanks, Andy J, I laughed and laughed at your wonderful comment about “the dog’s breakfast!!!!” Our 13-year-old Blondie-boy had to take a bunch of pills back in December, and sometimes he got an upset tummy, and up came the dog’s breakfast!! Even though Nancy and I are not happy campers about having to clean it up promptly (once it was seconds before I was about to leave for work, and Nancy was still asleep …. I have done dumb stuff in my life, but I will never choose A. waking her up over B. cleaning up the dog’s accident and being a couple of minutes late for work! I still want to be alive …..), we never get angry at him. One look at his face and you can tell he feels sorry and ashamed.
Indian Valley John, your comment at 3:14. I just learned something! Thanks. I never would have guessed that, about the drainage issue.
Some chores have been accomplished. Afternoon French Press coffee is currently being enjoyed.
Conditions Base of Bent Mt.
Air Temp 31.2 and gradually falling
Dewpoint 29
Raised surface snow (middle of deck) 2.75″
Paved driveway/roads are clear with a bit of ‘creep’ on the edge
Snow, continuous. Sometimes lighter than others, but even during the recent dry slot, it never stopped. Intensity has picked up slightly last 15 mins.
Neighborhood kids have switched from driveway saucering to grass.
Currently contemplating different body postures for pending snowman construction. Reading old Calvin and Hobbes comics for inspiration.
Following a 40-min ‘dry slot’, snow falling steadily …temp still holding at 34 …radar pic shows steady precip likely for next few hours
Previous post for Pulaskitown (elev 1920)
Been pouring snow here for close to an hour; flakes small but dense and steady; measured 5″ or more on the deck.
It’s coming down at a pretty good clip in Fairlawn. I was going to post pics for my family but my computer decided it wasn’t going to read my camera card.
CAPTCHA Code= After being a moderator for years on a website I learned to highlight, right click and copy just in case my post got lost in cyber space. Which happened quite a few times, lol.
Heavy snow here by PH in the ‘noke. Streets are getting covered. Incredible! Can we be the bulls eye? Kevin?
Here in downtown Wangle Junction (Alum Ridge area) (elev. 2460) I just measured 5 1/2″ on an outdoor table. I don’t know if anyone’s noticed but the Blacksburg NWS just updated their Snowfall Accumulation Forecast with somewhat higher numbers. Where I am they’re calling for an additional 7″ (after 1 pm). At 1 pm we had 2 1/2″. That’s quite a bit more than the 6″ – 6 1/2″ they were predicting this morning.
Not as heavy right now in Goodview but we’ve hit just over 4 inches and still time for more….bring it!!!
Pulaskitown (elev 1920) …fine snow falling at a moderate rate …est 4″ across the neighborhood …2-3″ on pavement and sidewalks …1/2=3/4″ slush underneath
The streets in our neighborhood in Fairlawn are covered. I can see 114 out my back windows and it isn’t looking good either. It’s white with very slow moving vehicles traveling it.
we dont have any snow right now. I am in northern virginia