First 2024 winter storm expected to impact Central Virginia this weekend

RICHMOND: There’s an old weather adage that goes something like this: “Thunder in winter, snow in seven days.” Remembering last Friday, many of us heard thunder and watched lightning. Now, seven days from last Friday, the day of change could usher in a severe winter storm on Saturday.

Over the weekend, forecast models began to suggest the formation of a big winter storm in the Tennessee Valley and Northern Gulf Coast states for later Friday night and Saturday early. This system would quickly deepen and intensify as it moved into Virginia during the day on Saturday before moving up near New England early Sunday morning.

While the exact path has yet to be determined, it is vital to note that a significant winter storm will be coming down on Virginia during the first weekend of 2024.

If we were to look at the many models and make a generalization of what we might expect, it currently appears that the Metro Richmond area will receive very chilly rain, particularly in the east and south. At the same time, parts of Virginia’s Piedmont, from Farmville to Louisa and Fredericksburg, may receive a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow. The Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains would experience all snow, with potentially significant accumulations, particularly for ski resorts in Virginia and West Virginia.

Virginia’s New Laws Taking Effect on January 1, 2024

Our short-range models will begin to gain a better look at how this system will develop in the Southern Tennessee Valley and Gulf Coast dates during the coming few days, allowing us to create a more definitive course. This will allow us to narrow down where cold air will be trapped and where snow will be more likely than rain.

If you enjoy snow, you may be in luck this weekend, particularly in the western and northwestern sections of the state on Saturday and Sunday.