Nov. 22—BLUEFIELD — Forecasters told the public Thursday that between 3 to 4 inches of snow and high winds could reach the region over the next three days along with temperatures that could create black ice in time for morning and evening commutes.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Thursday which included the West Virginia counties of Mercer, Monroe, McDowell and Summers as well as Tazewell County in Virginia.
Forecasters then issued a wind advisory starting at noon today and continuing until 6 a.m. Saturday for the Virginia counties of Tazewell, Bland, Giles and Wythe along with the West Virginia counties of Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Greenbrier. Winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph are expected. Power outages are possible and tree limbs and trees weakened by Hurricane Helene will be more susceptible to falling, according to the advisory.
In both regions, the winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Meteorologist Adam Baker with the weather service in Blacksburg, Va. said from Thursday into Saturday, a total of three to four inches of snow could fall.
“With this we’re looking at a combination of some snow showers and accumulating snow,” Baker said. “Snow showers could continue to be on and off throughout the night. There might be a break Friday morning and seeing continued snow later Friday and Friday night that could linger into Saturday. I can’t rule out a bit higher than that, but mainly 3 to 4 inches.”
Due to the forecasted snow, Tazewell County Schools will have virtual education today.
Tazewell County EMS announced Thursday that warming stations would be on standby.
until Saturday. People with questions can call the non-emergency number at 276-988-0645. These warming stations include: — Abbs Valley Volunteer Fire Department at Tazewell County EMS Station 2, 1289 Boissevain Road, Bluefield, Va. — Bishop Volunteer Fire Department at 219 Radio Street, Bishop, Va. — Bluefield Town Hall, 112 Huffard Drive, Bluefield, Va. — Burke’s Garden Volunteer Fire Department at 7030 Burke’s Garden, Tazewell, Va. — Clearfork Volunteer Fire Department at 7146 Clearfork Rad, Bastian, Va. — Richlands Police Department at 1851 Cranwell Drive, Richlands, Va. — Tannersville Volunteer Fire Department, 1138 Freestone Valley, Tannersville, Va. — Tazewell County Volunteer Fire Department, Fuller Perry Building, Fairgrounds Road, Tazewell, Va. — Thompson Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 8905 Thompson Valley, Tazewell, Va.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation shared winter driving tips as the state Division of Highway’s crews prepared for snow. These tips included: — Reduce speed. Always drive slower than usual in ice, snow and other slippery conditions. — Avoid sudden movements. Drivers should use smooth, gradual steering as well as gradual braking and acceleration to prevent sliding. — Give snowplows space. Drivers that see a WVDOH snowplow or salt truck should stay back. — Watch for ice on bridges and overpasses. Bridges and overpasses freeze sooner than regular roads. — Drive with the conditions and not the posted speed limit.
Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
