Winter Weather Causing Closures On Parkway
Closures on parkway due to snow with more winter weather in forecast. The recent snow has either closed much of the parkway or parts are under advisory conditions. With today’s weather and the winter storm headed to the area I expect more closings and advisory on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The areas of Western North Carolina and the state of Virginia is under a winter weather warning. A low pressure is to travel up the east coast with the possibility of heavy snow in many areas. Please pay attention to the weather and the news for this area.
Blue Ridge Parkway Covered in Snow On 1/19/2016
(Photo by Heidi Schacht)
Here is the winter weather watches and warnings for this area:
... Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to midnight EST tonight... ... Blizzard watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night... The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow... which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to midnight EST tonight. * Hazard types... snow for this Wednesday evening. Heavy snow and wind Friday afternoon through Saturday night. A wintry mix is possible Friday night into Saturday morning east of Interstate 95... before changing back to all snow on Saturday. * Accumulations... a coating to an inch this Wednesday evening. Potential for a foot or more of snow Friday afternoon through Saturday night. * Timing... snow this Wednesday evening... then heavy snow Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Conditions are expected to deteriorate Friday afternoon with the heaviest snow... strongest winds... and potential life threatening conditions expected Friday night through Saturday night. * Impacts... roads this evening will be snow covered and slippery... and this will make travelling hazardous. For Friday afternoon through Saturday night... heavy snow and blowing snow will cause dangerous conditions and will be a threat to life and property. Travel is expected to be severely limited if not impossible during the height of the storm Friday night and Saturday. Visibility will be reduced to near zero at times in whiteout conditions. * Winds... light and variable this evening. Northeast 10 to 15 mph Friday. Northeast winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph Friday night... then shift north Saturday through Saturday night. * Temperatures... middle 20s this evening. Mid to upper 20s for most locations Friday through Saturday night. Precautionary/preparedness actions... For Wednesday evening... a Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities... and use caution while driving. Use this advance notice to plan ahead! Adjust travel plans... and planned activities. Stock up on necessities. Make plans for elderly family and those most at risk. Prepare for the possibility of power outages during snowy and cold conditions. Use this time to minimize impact on you... your family... and your community.
Here is the link to the real-time closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Much of the North Carolina section is already closed. Most of the Virginia section is under advisory. With heavy snow fall in the forecast for Virginia and areas north the parkway will more than likely be closed soon.
Here are some winter driving tips
Be prepared by knowing your route.
Be aware of weather conditions in the area.
Drive slower than normal.
Have food or snacks and water.
Know how to handle a vehicle in a skid (steer the vehicle in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes.
Make a winter travel safety kit. (Cell phone, ice scraper, a tow rope, cat litter (for use as a traction aid), blankets, flashlight, portable weather radio and a can of de-icer.)
If you become stuck, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.
