This special edition of The Maysville Voice focuses on the impending inclement weather we have headed our way today and tomorrow.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are watching the forecast closely and have pretreated all primary routes. They will work through the night – and through the storm, along with other agencies and departments related to emergency services and utilities.
PLAN & PREPARE
Ready.gov is a great resource for winter weather tips, preparedness solutions, emergency alerts, and more. For winter weather resources, visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
VDOT RESPONSE
In the early morning hours on Thursday, we will see a transition to rain and freezing rain, then become a rain only event by mid-morning. On Thursday night, rain continues for most and winds will start to strengthen dramatically. Between Thursday night and Saturday morning, expect gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.
Be prepared for the possibility of power outages from downed trees and power lines – and debris blown onto roadways. The storm will gradually leave the area throughout the day on Friday, but extremely cold air will move in, making for a strong risk of refreeze on the roads. The rain will wash away brine — and any remaining moisture on road surfaces will freeze in the cold air. Temperatures will drop into the teens by Friday afternoon. Some areas will see single digit temperatures on Friday night.
Saturday morning will see clearing skies, but continuing bitter cold and strong winds. Saturday night will be clear but windy – with temperatures again dropping into the teens.
Don’t risk driving in horrible weather conditions! The safest place to be during a major winter storm is indoors. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles. For questions, or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). Get updated road conditions at any time by visiting 511virginia.org
DOMINION ENERGY RESPONSE
Dominion Energy is closely watching and is preparing for a moderate outage threat from gusty winds, 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday. Depending on the severity of the storm, it could cause power outages in different areas of Virginia. Their crews will be fully mobilized and prepared to respond if power outages occur – working around the clock to restore power.
To report an outage and track restoration, we have three easy ways: 1) Dominion Energy mobile app; 2) Dominion Energy website; or 3) Call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
As always, please stay away from downed power lines. If you see a downed pole or wire, please report it by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP and stay at least 30 feet away. The line could be energized and dangerous. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Weather Report:
Today
Precipitation begins early Thursday morning as freezing rain/sleet in Northern – Western Virginia and as rain across the rest of the commonwealth. Freezing rain/sleet will change over to rain by afternoon. A rumble of thunder may be possible in Eastern Virginia. We do not have any operational concerns from wintry precipitation, but there may be spotty travel issues tomorrow morning.
Friday
A strong cold front crosses Virginia bringing high winds, brief precipitation, and a plunge in temperatures. Sustained winds across Dominion Energy territory will run 15-25 mph with frequent 35-45 mph gusts. Timing is 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., likely peaking by early afternoon. We have a system-wide moderate outage threat in place with a 30 percent chance for improving and a 10 percent chance for getting worse. High temperatures will occur Friday morning as temperatures will quickly fall through the afternoon. Temperatures will be below freezing by night. Brief rain showers will accompany this frontal passage, followed by a few snowflakes. Accumulating snowfall is not likely for most, but some elevated surfaces could get a dusting (i.e. cars, decks). Portions of Northern – Western Virginia may see some light, dry snow accumulation.
The Holiday Weekend
Dry and clear weather will be in place for the weekend, but the big story is extreme cold. Temperatures will be 20-30 degrees colder than normal. Northern – Western Virginia could see some light, dry snow accumulation.
Happy Holidays!
I have always used the winter holidays as a time for reflection, pausing to look back on what the year has brought us collectively and individually. I am thankful to be entering my fourth year as your representative on the Board of Supervisors. I am also thankful for my fellow members for entrusting me to serve as Board Chairman this calendar year, along with my other public service opportunities. This year has been challenging but fruitful in many respects for our communities and county as a whole. We have much to be proud of in Buckingham County, not only in each other, but in what we have done, as a community, for others, especially in their times of great need. And that is what makes the holidays so special. From Rachael and I, we wish you a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year.
Thomas Jordan Miles III
Chairman, Buckingham County Board of Supervisors
District Four Supervisor (Maysville)
434-390-7023
PO Box 188
Buckingham, Virginia 23921
Maysville District Supervisor Thomas Jordan Miles III 