Winter Storm and High Wind in Virginia, February 4 to 6, 2010

Name: Winter Storm and High Wind in Virginia, February 4 to 6, 2010
Start: 2010-02-04T23:00
End: 2010-02-06T14:00
Location: Virginia

February 4 to 6, 2010 · NWS RNK · 26 events in 25 counties and zones

A strong low pressure system moved from the Gulf Coast to off the North Carolina coast. A secondary low moved west of Virginia over Kentucky, bringing a nose of warm air in aloft.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 26 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $350,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 26

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS RNK wrote it up.

A strong low pressure system moved from the Gulf Coast to off the North Carolina coast. A secondary low moved west of Virginia over Kentucky, bringing a nose of warm air in aloft. This led to a mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain across southwest Virginia, with many areas seeing significant snow or ice accumulations.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 4, 9:51 PM EST, 1 hour 9 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 4, 9:51 PM EST, 1 hour 9 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
951 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

.SYNOPSIS...
SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD EAST INTO NEW ENGLAND AND THE MID
ATLANTIC REGION TONIGHT AS LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPS OVER THE WESTERN
GULF OF MEXICO. THIS SYSTEM WILL BEGIN TO LIFT
NORTHEAST...REDEVELOPING AND INTENSIFYING ALONG THE SOUTHEAST
COAST FRIDAY INTO FRIDAY NIGHT...BEFORE MOVING OFFSHORE ON
SATURDAY. THIS SYSTEM WILL BRING ANOTHER ROUND OF SIGNIFICANT
WINTRY WEATHER TO MUCH OF THE MID ATLANTIC AND MID APPALACHIAN
REGION FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM FRIDAY MORNING/...
LIGHT SNOW HAS ALREADY SPREAD NORTH INTO THE NW NC MOUNTAINS WELL
IN ADVANCE OF THE STRONGER WARM ADVECTION AND 85H SELY JET TO THE
SW PER FFC 00Z RAOB. LATEST LOCAL SOUNDINGS STILL SHOW QUITE A BIT
OF MID/LOW LEVEL DRY AIR TO OVERCOME SO EXPECTING MOST OF THE SNOW
TO REMAIN LIGHT THRU ABOUT MIDNIGHT BEFORE A BETTER FLUX OF MOISTURE
DEVELOPS DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS WITH A BAND OF HEAVIER
PRECIP TO THE SOUTH. LATEST LOCAL WRF DOES DEVELOP THE SNOW A BIT
FASTER TO THE NE AS THE LOW LEVEL SE FLOW INCREASES...WITH THE
LEADING EDGE REACHING THE GROUND IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY TOWARD
MIDNIGHT AND THEN NE ACROSS THE CWA DURING THE EARLY MORNING
HOURS. THUS HAVE UPPED POPS ACROSS THE SW A BIT SOONER AND
INCLUDED A LITTLE MORE ACCUMULATION NW NC RIDGES THRU MIDNIGHT.
HOWEVER THINK A BETTER BURST OF SNOW WILL COME IN FROM THE SW
LATER TONIGHT AND BE ALONG THE BLUE RIDGE TOWARD 12Z AS THE JET
REALLY STARTS TO ENHANCE LIFT. THINK THIS COULD BE A HEAVY BAND
WITH RATES 1-2 IN/HR SO INCLUDING SOME HEAVY SNOW MENTION LATE.
OTRW OTHER THAN BOOSTING POPS FOR LIGHT INITIAL SNOW...BASICALLY
LEFT THINGS STATUS QUO WITH ONLY SOME LOWERING OF LOW TEMPS DUE TO
EVAPORATIVE COOLING POTENTIAL.
&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/...
UPDATE: ADJUSTED THE ICE ACCUMULATION MAP TO REFLECT MORE ICING
WEST/SOUTH THURSDAY SIMILAR TO GOING FZRA GRIDS WHICH IS ALSO
REFLECTED IN THE UPDATED WSW THIS EVENING. WARM NOSE IS SMALL BUT
MAY BE ENOUGH GIVEN THE STRENGTH OF THE SE JET TO CAUSE A QUICKER
CHANGOVER BEHIND THE EARLY MORNING HEAVIER SNOW ESPCLY ALONG THE
I-77 CORRIDOR...AND EAST TO POSSIBLY THE BLUE RIDGE ALONG/SOUTH
OF I-81/HIWAY 460.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSION BELOW...

MODELS ARE COMING MORE IN LINE WITH SOME ASPECTS OF THE APPROACHING
WINTER STORM. NAM AND LOCAL WRF ARE SPEEDING UP THE ARRIVAL TIME OF
THE PRECIPITATION IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST. WILL BE ADJUSTING THE START
TIME OF THE WARNINGS TO BEGIN AT 9PM INSTEAD OF MIDNIGHT. EVOLUTION
OF THE REST OF THE SYSTEM AT THE SURFACE AND ALOFT HAS BEEN
CONSISTENT.

TEMPERATURE PROFILES FOR FRIDAY ARE COOLER ON THE NAM THAN PAST
FEW RUNS. EXPECT A LONGER PERIOD OF SNOW AND SLEET ON FRIDAY
BEFORE THE CHANGE/MIX TO FREEZING RAIN. GFS IS STILL FASTER
BRINGING THE COLD AIR IN ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE COASTAL LOW ON
FRIDAY NIGHT. COLUMN COOLS BELOW ZERO BUT ONCE DRY SLOT MOVES IN
MOISTURE BECOMES LIMITED TO LOW LEVELS AND CRYSTAL GROWTH IS NOT
SUPPORTED SO EVEN THOUGH TEMPERATURES WILL BE DROPPING THERE WILL
BE A PERIOD OF LIGHT FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE BEFORE THE
DEEP MOISTURE AND LIFT ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPPER LOW RETURNS ON
SATURDAY.

12Z GUIDANCE HAS COME IN WITH MORE QPF FROM 12Z FRIDAY THROUGH 12Z
SATURDAY. WILL HAVE THE HEAVIEST AMOUNTS ON THE EASTERN SLOPES OF
THE BLUE RIDGE. EXPECT MODERATE TO HEAVY PRECIPITATION FROM 15Z
FRIDAY THROUGH 03Z SATURDAY.

WILL BE EXPANDING WINTER STORM WARNING TO MOST COUNTIES BY 4PM.
COUNTIES IN FAR SOUTHEAST AND ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE WEDGE ARE
STILL QUESTIONABLE.

&&

.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
CANADIAN HIGH PRESSURE WILL PUSH SOUTHEAST INTO THE REGION BRINGING
DRIER WEATHER FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY. THEN ANOTHER DISTURBANCE FROM
THE WEST APPROACHES THE AREA FOR TUESDAY. GFS CONTINUES TO
BE FASTER WITH THIS SYSTEM WHILE THE ECMWF IS STILL A LOT SLOWER.
GFS HAS THE SYSTEM IMPACTING THE COUNTY WARNING AREA MONDAY NIGHT
THROUGH WEDNESDAY. THE GFS IS NOW SHOWING ONLY WEAK ISENTROPIC LIFT
DEVELOPING MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY...WHILE THE ECMWF REMAINS
PERSISTENT AT NOT SHOWING THE OVERRUNNING AT ALL. HAVE SLIGHT CHANCE
POPS STARTING OUT ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA DUE TO THE DIFFERENCES IN
THE TIMING THEN INCREASING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. ONCE THIS
SYSTEM PASSES...UPSLOPE FLOW BEGINS IN SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA AND
WILL LAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. MAINTAINED RAIN/SNOW FOR P-TYPE
AS IT IS PASSED DAY 4 IN THE EXTENDED.

TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN NEAR TO BELOW NORMAL THROUGH THE EXTENDED.

&&

.AVIATION /02Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
VFR CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE OVER THE ENTIRE AREA THROUGH AROUND
MIDNIGHT...THEN DETERIORATE FROM SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST BY DAYBREAK.

LEADING EDGE OF WHAT WILL BECOME AN EXPANSIVE SHIELD OF SNOW
SHOULD REACH THE NORTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS IN 03-06Z
TIMEFRAME TONIGHT...SPREADING NORTHEAST TO
KBLF...KLWB...KROA...AND KDAN IN 07-11Z TIMEFRAME...AND FINALLY TO
KLYH BY 11Z-13Z. EXPECTED TO SEE CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES
RAPIDLY FALL BACK INTO IFR OR LIFR RANGE WITHIN AN HOUR OR TWO
AFTER THE ONSET OF PRECIPITATION AS LOWER ATMOSPHERE QUICKLY
BECOMES SATURATED. MOUNTAIN OBSCURATION WILL ALSO TAKE PLACE AS
THE SNOW MOVES IN LATER TONIGHT INTO EARLY FRIDAY.

WIDESPREAD IFR/LIFR CONDITIONS WITH A WINTRY MIX OF SNOW...SLEET...
FREEZING RAIN...AND FREEZING DRIZZLE (POSSIBLY SOME RAIN AT KDAN
AND KBLF BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY NIGHT) IS THEN EXPECTED
TO PERSIST AT ALL TERMINAL FORECAST SITES INTO SATURDAY.

ARRIVAL OF DRIER AIR ON BACKSIDE OF SYSTEM WILL ALLOW FOR
CLEARING TREND WITH ONSET OF DOWNSLOPING WINDS EAST OF THE BLUE
RIDGE ON SATURDAY NIGHT. HOWEVER...UPSLOPING CONDITIONS WEST OF THE
BLUE RIDGE WILL LIKELY MAINTAIN AT LEAST MVFR CEILINGS AT KBLF AND
KLWB INTO AT LEAST SUNDAY BEFORE FINALLY CLEARING OUT SUNDAY NIGHT
OR MONDAY WITH ARRIVAL OF NEXT SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM.

&&

.EQUIPMENT...
MALFUNCTION OF THE NEW CEILOMETERS AT LYH...AND BLF HAS BEEN
REPORTED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EASTERN REGION. THE CEILING
AT BLF IS NOW BEING REPORTED...AND APPEARS IN LINE WITH
SURROUNDING OBSERVATIONS. IF A DISCREPANCY IS NOTED...THE
CEILOMETER WILL NEED TO BE LOGGED OUT AGAIN. THE CEILING AT LYH
MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS WHEN THE
CONTROL TOWER IS CLOSED.

&&

.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST SATURDAY
     FOR VAZ018>020-022>024-034-035-043>047-058-059.
     WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 4 PM EST SATURDAY FOR VAZ007-
     009>017-032-033.
NC...WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST SATURDAY
     FOR NCZ004>006.
     WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 4 PM EST SATURDAY FOR NCZ001>003-
     018>020.
WV...WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST SATURDAY
     FOR WVZ043>045.
     WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 4 PM EST SATURDAY FOR WVZ042.

&&

SYNOPSIS...RCS
NEAR TERM...RCS
SHORT TERM...AMS
LONG TERM...REB
AVIATION...RCS/WERT
EQUIPMENT...

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 4, 4:58 PM EST, 6 hours 2 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

NCZ003-019-020-VAZ007-009-010-012-032-033-WVZ042-052200-
SURRY-WILKES-YADKIN-TAZEWELL-SMYTH-BLAND-WYTHE-PATRICK-FRANKLIN-
MERCER-
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM EST
SATURDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL NORTH
CAROLINA...NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA...SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA...WEST
CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

NCZ004>006-VAZ043-044-052200-
STOKES-ROCKINGHAM-CASWELL-HENRY-PITTSYLVANIA-
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST
SATURDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
AND SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

VAZ045>047-058-059-052200-
CAMPBELL-APPOMATTOX-BUCKINGHAM-HALIFAX-CHARLOTTE-
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST
SATURDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND SOUTH
CENTRAL VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ011-013>017-052200-
ASHE-ALLEGHANY NC-WATAUGA-GILES-PULASKI-MONTGOMERY-GRAYSON-CARROLL-
FLOYD-
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM EST
SATURDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA AND
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

VAZ018>020-022>024-034-035-WVZ043>045-052200-
CRAIG-ALLEGHANY VA-BATH-ROANOKE-BOTETOURT-ROCKBRIDGE-BEDFORD-AMHERST-
SUMMERS-MONROE-GREENBRIER-
458 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST
SATURDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL VIRGINIA...SOUTH
CENTRAL VIRGINIA...SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA...WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND
SOUTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WARNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Feb 4, 10:25 PM EST, 35 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA
1025 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ007-009-010-012-013-015-016-032-050600-
ASHE-ALLEGHANY NC-WATAUGA-TAZEWELL-SMYTH-BLAND-WYTHE-PULASKI-
GRAYSON-CARROLL-PATRICK-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WEST JEFFERSON...SPARTA...BOONE...
TAZEWELL...MARION...BLAND...WYTHEVILLE...PULASKI...INDEPENDENCE...
WHITETOP...TROUTDALE...VOLNEY...GALAX...STUART
1025 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...PERIODS OF SNOW TO CONTINUE OVERNIGHT...

LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOW WILL MOVE NORTHEAST ACROSS THE
NORTHERN NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS AND INTO SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
THROUGH MIDNIGHT. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE
MOUNTAIN EMPIRE REGION OF VIRGINIA SOUTH INTO THE HIGHER RIDGES OF
NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA WHERE UP TO AN INCH OR TWO COULD FALL
THROUGH 1 AM. THIS WILL LIKELY CAUSE ROADS TO BECOME SNOW COVERED
AND SLICK OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS. ELSEWHERE ONLY A COATING
TO ONE HALF INCH IS EXPECTED. MOTORISTS SHOULD USE CAUTION IF
PLANNING TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE REGION OVERNIGHT.

NCZ003>005-019-020-050600-
SURRY-STOKES-ROCKINGHAM-WILKES-YADKIN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...DOBSON...DANBURY...EDEN...WILKESBORO...
YADKINVILLE
1025 PM EST THU FEB 4 2010

...SNOW DEVELOPING ACROSS THE REGION...

LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE ACROSS THE REGION
THROUGH 1 AM. A PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW COULD ALSO OCCUR OVER SURRY
AND STOKES COUNTY IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS. SNOWFALL
ACCUMULATIONS OF AN INCH OR TWO WILL BE POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY IN
AREAS CLOSER TO THE FOOTHILLS. THIS WILL ALSO LIKELY LEAD TO SNOW
COVERED ROADS...ESPECIALLY BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES IN THE NEXT FEW
HOURS. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO BE ALERT FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS
OVERNIGHT.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

25 winter storm, 1 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Tazewell

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Tazewell forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.125, -81.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain impacted the county starting early on February 5th and continuing into the 6th. Snowfall amounts of 5 to 9 inches were reported across the southern and eastern part of the county. Ice accumulations of .1 inches occurred near Tazewell. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Smyth

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 5, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Smyth forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.844, -81.537 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain moved across the county during the day of the 5th. The highest snowfall amounts were across the eastern part of the county, which saw up to 11 inches. Across the western part of the county, warmer air moved in, producing mainly rain and accumulations only near 1 inch. Light sleet and ice accumulations also occurred in many areas. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Grayson

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 5, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Grayson forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.657, -81.225 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the area early on the 5th. As warmer air moved in later in the morning and afternoon, this snow changed to sleet, freezing rain, and rain, before ending as snow. Total snow amounts of 5 to 9 inches were common across the county. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Bland

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Bland forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.134, -81.130 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Wythe

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Wythe forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 2 indirect
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.917, -81.079 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two people were killed (indirect) on Interstate 81 when a tractor trailer jackknifed into a minivan that was pulled over on the side of the road.

Winter Storm, Carroll

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 5, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Carroll forecast zone
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.697, -80.829 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Portions of Interstate 77 were closed at times between mile markers 1 and 41 because of several accidents involving tractor trailers.

Winter Storm, Giles

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Giles forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.314, -80.704 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Pulaski

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Pulaski forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.098, -80.645 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Floyd

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Floyd forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.932, -80.362 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Patrick

When: February 4, 11:00 PM EST to February 5, 11:00 PM EST
Where: Patrick forecast zone
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.678, -80.284 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 7 to 12 inches were reported across the county. Ice accumulations of 0.25 inches also occurred in Stuart. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state. Approximately 7500 people were without power across the county for a period of time over the weekend.

Winter Storm, Henry

When: February 5, 1:00 AM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Henry forecast zone
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 36.689, -79.926 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 5 to 7 inches were reported, with the highest amounts in the northwest parts of the county. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

The wet snow was heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines throughout the city of Martinsville. At one point about 62 percent of Henry county residents were without power, with transmissions and substations going down. Most residents regained power by early the next week. Falling trees also destroyed two vehicles in the city of Martinsville.

Winter Storm, Alleghany

When: February 5, 1:00 AM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Alleghany forecast zone
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.791, -80.000 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches were reported across the county. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state. The weight of the snow collapsed a barn causing over 50000 dollars in damage to the barn and equipment.

Winter Storm, Botetourt

When: February 5, 1:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Botetourt forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.557, -79.812 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Montgomery

When: February 5, 2:00 AM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 37.174, -80.387 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 8 to 11 inches were reported across the county. Ice accumulations of up to 0.10 inches also were reported. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Craig

When: February 5, 2:00 AM EST to February 6, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Craig forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.481, -80.212 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Roanoke

When: February 5, 2:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Roanoke forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.258, -80.016 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Franklin

When: February 5, 2:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Franklin forecast zone
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 36.992, -79.881 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 6 to 10 inches were reported, with the highest amounts in the northwest parts of the county. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state. Roofs collapsed on two storage buildings in Rocky Mount due to the weight of the snow, sleet, and rain. A van inside one of the buildings had its roof collapsed in as well.

At least 2000 people without power was also reported across the county.

Winter Storm, Bedford

When: February 5, 3:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Bedford forecast zone
Property damage: $70,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.315, -79.524 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall accumulations of 7 to 8 inches were reported across the county. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state. The heavy snow and ice also caused the roof of a large dock at a marina at Smith Mountain Lake to collapse. As many as 22 boats, many of which were large, were damaged in the collapse.

Winter Storm, Pittsylvania

When: February 5, 3:00 AM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Pittsylvania forecast zone
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.704, -79.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. The northwestern two thirds of the county saw 4 to 6 inches of snow, with lighter amounts near 2 inches closer to Danville. At one point over 8000 residents were without power.

No major traffic accidents were reported in the county with this event, with about 10 minor accidents of cars sliding off roads reported.

Winter Storm, Bath

When: February 5, 3:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Bath forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.059, -79.741 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Most of the county saw between 12 and 17 inches of snow. The northern part of the county saw the highest amounts, with up to 24 inches in the Armstrong area. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Rockbridge

When: February 5, 3:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Rockbridge forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.774, -79.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Most of the county saw between 8 and 10 inches of snow. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Amherst

When: February 5, 4:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Amherst forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.605, -79.145 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Most of the county saw between 6 and 9 inches of snow. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Campbell

When: February 5, 4:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Campbell forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.310, -79.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Most of the county saw around 5 inches of snow. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Appomattox

When: February 5, 4:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Appomattox forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.372, -78.812 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall amounts of 5 to 7 inches were common across the norther part of the county, with lower amounts near 3 inches across southern areas. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

Winter Storm, Buckingham

When: February 5, 4:00 AM EST to February 6, 2:00 PM EST
Where: Buckingham forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.572, -78.529 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light to moderate moved into the county during the early morning hours on the 5th. The snow turned to a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet during the afternoon, before ending as snow late at night into the day on the 6th. Snowfall of around 8 inches occurred in the Dillwyn area. Roadways became slick, with many reports of vehicles sliding off roads across the state.

High Wind, Tazewell

When: February 5, 12:30 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Tazewell forecast zone
Measured: 68 kt (78 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.125, -81.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong southeast winds occurred across the higher elevations of the county as a dry slot pushed into the area. A mesonet in Tazewell recorded a gust of 78 mph. Many trees and power lines were also reported down across the county. Multiple Structures and trees were blown down blocking several streets across the county. A McDonald's play land roof was blown into the street.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Winter Storm, Wythe	2010-02-05	25	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect
Winter Storm, Wythe	2010-02-05	54	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2010 Every state in 2010 This day in weather history Warnings in Virginia, February 2010

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 215917, 215944, 215965, 215977, 215979, 215980, 215982, 215983, 215984, 215986, 215998, 215999, 216000, 215994, 215995, 215996, 215997, 216001, 216002, 216003, 216004, 216005, 216006, 216007, 216008, 216207.