Winter Weather May be Headed Toward Herndon

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather warning for the region beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday and going until 9 p.m.

The forecast includes a possible 1 to 2 inches of snow, which is likely to begin between 9 and 11 a.m. on Thursday morning and will continue through the afternoon.

Temperatures will be in the low teens overnight Wednesday to Thursday morning and Thursday's highs will be in the mid- to upper-20s. The wind will be lighter than it has been.

Prepare for travel difficulties and allow extra time to get to destinations as roads may be slipper. Additionally, visibility may be limited due to the snow.

According to Weather.com, the record high for the same day was set in 1971 at 72 degrees, and the record low was a frigid 10 degrees in 1989.

This year the Virginia Department of Transportation has increased its efforts to clear roads after winter storms. .

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has some safety tips for area residents.

Drivers should have emergency kits in their car. Kits should include jumper cables, a blanket, warm clothes such as gloves, hats, boots and scarves, an ice scraper, a first-aid kit, water and nonperishable snacks, a flashlight, a basic tool kit, extra washer fluid and a couple extra quarts of oil.

According to VDOT, residents should try to stay off roads if possible when temperatures are below 32 degrees. If roads are wet ice patches are possible on bridges and curves. Drivers should also avoid using cruise control in winter conditions. VDOT urges drivers to keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing roads.

Residents should have an emergency supply kit prepared. It should include basic items such as three days worth of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries and a family emergency plan. It should also include a first-aid kit, medications if needed, blankets, warm clothes, pet items or other supplies for special members of families.

There should also be an out-of-town relative or friend who can help serve as a point of contact for emergency communications. There should be a meeting place that families agree upon if they cannot return home due to closed roads.

Residents should also do their best to stay informed before, during and after storms. They should listen to local media and emergency officials, who will help provide instructions from local, state and federal agencies that cover road conditions, weather warnings and watches, power outages and other information.

Online Resources
www.virginiadot.org
www.virginiadot.org/about/emer_response.asp
www.511virginia.org
www.ReadyVirginia.gov  

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