Virginia, 2021

Winter Storm in Virginia, February 18 to 19, 2021

February 18 to 19, 2021 · NWS AKQ · 32 events in 32 counties and zones

Strong surface high pressure centered from the Midwest into New England helped to supply low level cold air into the area, as a prolonged Classic Cold Air Damming regime was in place throughout the duration of the event. With warmer air present aloft, precipitation fell in the form of freezing rain and sleet across central and south central Virginia, and the Virginia Northern Neck, as a couple…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 32 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
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$960,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
32

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 AKQ wrote it up.

Strong surface high pressure centered from the Midwest into New England helped to supply low level cold air into the area, as a prolonged Classic Cold Air Damming regime was in place throughout the duration of the event. With warmer air present aloft, precipitation fell in the form of freezing rain and sleet across central and south central Virginia, and the Virginia Northern Neck, as a couple of weak low pressure areas tracked northeast along and off the Southeast and Mid Atlantic Coasts. There were two distinct waves of precipitation that moved across the area. One that occurred during the early morning-midday on the 18th, and a second wave of light to moderate precipitation that moved across the region during the early to mid morning on the 19th. This resulted in significant ice accretion between 0.20 inch and 0.40 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

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 Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 17, 9:36 PM EST, 3 hours 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 17, 9:36 PM EST, 3 hours 24 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
936 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure builds across New England tonight and then gradually
slides to the northeast Thursday. Low pressure tracking south of
the area will bring a wintry mix of precipitation Thursday into
Thursday night. A cold front will cross the area Friday with high
pressure building back into the area this weekend.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM THURSDAY MORNING/...
As of 930 PM EST Wednesday...

Forecast on track with only minor changes to the grids this eve.
Clouds quickly increasing from the west and south ahead of the
apprchg low. Temps have dropped since sunset and range from the
upr 20s across the north to upr 30s across the se.

Per latest high res data, pushed back the starting time across
the south an hour or two, and lowered PoPs acros the lwr Md ern
shore thru 09Z as it then may take a few hrs to saturate the
lower levels there. Otw, pcpn overspreads the area south to
northeast after midnite. Still looking at it beginning as snow
or a snow/sleet mix across the north and west, just rain across
the south. Pcpn then goes over to a sleet/fz rain scenario Thurs
morning. Quick look at the 00Z NAM suggests it may mix with sleet
a bit longer along the I85 and I95 corridors thru 12Z. Lows mid
20s to lwr 30s except mid 30s ivof the Albemarle Sound.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 405 PM EST Wednesday...

Another winter storm will impact the region through Thursday
night with the potential very substantial impacts due to ice,
especially across the Piedmont, and particularly for areas that
were hardest hit with the last storm. Additionally, some
flooding is possible for areas that experience rain given that
the ground is quite saturated.

Winter Storm warnings continue, and a portion of the former
watch NE of Richmond have been upgraded to warnings. The former
watch for Surry/James City has been converted to a winter
weather advisory, and this is part of a row of counties under a
winter weather advisory that borders the warning, and extends
from Northampton, NC through portions of the Lower MD Eastern
Shore. The reasoning for not having and "Ice Storm Warning" is
that there will be a period of snow/sleet Thursday morning (and
in some locations this snow/sleet accumulation may be
significant). This is different from the storm this past weekend
that was exclusively a rain to freezing rain scenario.
Regardless, significant to crippling impacts are possible due to
ice for portions of the area. Most areas in the advisory will
experience a change over to rain Thursday afternoon.

The models have changed very little with respect to the
synoptic pattern during the past 24 hours: a strong surface high
(~1035mb) will be centered from southern Ontario to the St
Lawrence Valley At 12Z/Thursday and will keep a supply of very
cold/dry air from the N. The high is progged to shift very
slowly to the E/NE, across the St Lawrence Valley/northern New
England by late Thursday/Thursday night. While this will allow
for some low level warming into SE VA/NE NC and the eastern
shore to have the p-type change over to plain rain between
18Z/Thu and 00Z/Fri, areas along and W of the I- 95 corridor
(and ranging to about 10-30 miles E of the I-95 corridor) will
struggle to rise above 32F for the entire event. The models
remain colder for sfc temperatures Thursday (while showing a
very prominent surge of mid-level warm air) , and the forecast
continued to follow close to the NAM/GFS sfc wet bulb values,
which clearly depict the typical delayed warming that occurs in
these type of patterns. Where the most uncertainty lies with
this event is more in exact p-type rather than temperatures in
the low levels. The 12Z/17 suite of models show some
differences, the NAM depicting more sleet than freezing rain for
the northern sections of the CWA until late Thu aftn while the
GFS more readily shows a quick change to freezing rain in most
areas that stay at or below 32F by late Thursday AM.

Taking all of this into account, a period of snow/sleet
(possibly predominant sleet for a few hours) is anticipated,
followed by freezing rain. All guidance continues to place a
heavy emphasis on significant icing for the I-85 corridor that
was particularly hard hit in the last event, and the 12z HREF
depicts the axis of greatest ice accretion centered along the US
360 corridor from the SW through the RIC metro. There is an
overall trend for strong easterly flow at or above 900mb to
drive a substantial warm nose inland that will result in a
change to freezing rain for all areas by later Thursday aftn.
This process will also help drive pcpn rates through the mid
aftn period, before there will be some drying aloft (and lower
precip rates) for 3-6 hrs from the mid aftn into the early
evening period.

For totals: a blend of forecast model scenarios yields up to
2-3" of snow/sleet across the far N/NW zones (far NW Louisa
could see 3-4"). Most of this comes Thu morning into the early
aftn. After 18Z Thu, most of the remaining p-type will be rain
or freezing rain (some mix may stay across the far N for a few
additional hrs). The MD Eastern Shore could have a quick 1-2" of
snow NW of SBY if moisture spreads far enough into the cold
air. Have total ice amounts of 0.50" to 0.75" across much of
south central VA and encroaching on the RIC metro, with a large
areal coverage of 0.25" to 0.50" across much of the northern
Piedmont and N and NE of the RIC metro.

Highs Thursday will be 29-32F range in the Piedmont, low/mid
30s metro RIC, with mid-upper 40s/around 50F across the far SE.
Another period of freezing rain is possible over the SW Piedmont
(and possibly to the I-95 corridor) Thursday night as a second
wave tracks along the coast increasing pcpn intensity again
Thursday evening into early Friday. With the Piedmont expected
to stay at or below 32F this period has the potential to bring
even higher ice accumulations than what is currently forecast
depending on the precise location of enhanced banded precip.
Additional moderate to heavy rain will fall across SE portions.

Another issue will be flooding. Forecast QPF is ~1.5" with
localized amounts up to 2" possible Thursday into Thursday
night. A flood watch has been issued due to the combination of
expected rainfall and very saturated ground, see the Hydrology
section below for more details with regard to flooding and main-
stem river flooding.

A cold front crosses the region Friday afternoon. Low
temperatures Friday morning range from the upper 20s NW to the
mid/upper 30s SE, followed by highs Friday in the upper 30s to
mid 40s. Maintained higher PoPs in the morning to likely and
categorical across much of area E of I-95, then PoPs diminishing
from NW-SE late the morning and aftn. Some mixed pcpn could
move back into the eastern shore and central VA by afternoon, in
the form of a mix of rain and sleet or rain and snow.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 405 PM EST Wednesday...

Low pressure continues to track NE off the NE coast Friday
night. Cannot rule out some light rain along the VA coastline or
a light rain/snow mix along coastal portions of the Eastern
Shore early Friday evening before drying out. High pressure
settles in from the west Fri night into Sat before centering
over the local area Sun. The high is a modified airmass from the
cold air that has been lingering over the central and south-
central CONUS over the last several days. Although we will not
see anywhere near the extreme cold that they saw out West, lows
will still be cold, ranging from the upper teens NW to the mid
to upper 20s SE Fri night and from the low teens NW to the low
to mid 20s SE Sat night. High temps Sat will range from the mid
30s NW to around 40F SE. Wind chills will be in the teens
everywhere both nights and will remain below freezing for most
locations through Sat. Under normal circumstances this would not
be concerning. However, given that widespread power outages are
anticipated from the Thursday winter storm, this becomes
particularly concerning as many households will likely still be
without power. Keep this in mind when preparing for the winter
storm and make sure you have a way to stay warm.

High pressure moves offshore Mon as the next low moves through
the Great Lakes and across the NE with a trailing cold crossing
the FA Mon. The GFS is a touch warmer with primarily rain
whereas the Canadian and EURO show some snow NW of RIC. Snow
chances will be highest if the front comes through earlier in
the morning as opposed to the afternoon. Have thrown in a
rain/snow mix Mon morning changing to all rain by the afternoon
to account for this possibility. High pressure builds in from
the Deep South Tues into Wed night, centering over the local
area Thurs morning.

Highs range from the upper 30s NE to the low 40s SW Sun, mid
40s N to the low to mid 50s S Mon, low to mid 50s for most
(upper 40s to around 50F over the Eastern Shore) Tues, and from
the low to mid 50s NE to the upper 50s to around 60F SW Wed.
Lows range from the upper 20s to around 30F Sun night, low 30s
NW to the low to mid 30s SE Mon night, and from the low 30s NW
to upper 30s SE Tues and Wed nights.

&&

.AVIATION /03Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 615 PM EST Wednesday...

High pres extends se across the area this evening. Low pressure
will track south of the area Thurs and Thurs nite. Clouds will
quickly increase across the area this eve ahead of the apprchg
systm. Already see a SC deck arnd 3K FT at ECG. This will spread
north while expand in areal coverage by 06Z.

Pcpn will dvlp from sw-ne after midnite as the deep moisture
spreads ne from the low. Cold air in place will result in a
wintry mix at both RIC/SBY at the onset will mostly rain across
the se. Pcpn becomes fz rain at RIC/SBY Thurs morning. Enough
warm air will allow pcpn to become all rain Thurs aftrn at SBY,
but look for the fz rain to cont at RIC thru the forecast period.
Significant icing is likely at RIC Thurs. MVFR CIGS will lower
to IFR everywhere Thurs aftrn. In addition, ne winds become
gusty along the coast btwn 15-25 kts with north winds at 10 kts
or less at RIC.

OUTLOOK...
Another wave of low pressure will bring another round of rain Thurs
night, which could mix with or change back to fz rain at RIC before
ending Fri morning. IFR/LIFR conditions continue Thurs night into
Fri morning. Conditions may improve Fri afternoon but winds will
become gusty from the NW Fri aftn into early Sat, and an upper
trough could bring some showers or a mix of rain/snow showers.
High pressure settles across the area late Sat through Sun with
VFR/dry conditions and less wind.

&&

.MARINE...
As of 405 PM EST Wednesday...

Late this aftn, high pressure was centered over the ern Great
Lakes. Two areas of low pressure were evident: one developing
off the coast of Florida and another stronger low in the western
Gulf of Mexico. Winds are N-NE at 10-15 kts. Seas are generally
2-3 ft, with some 4- 4.5 ft seas S of the VA-NC border. The low
off the Florida coast is progged to track NNE off the Southeast
/Mid-Atlantic coast tonight into Friday, moving to a position
off the coast of VA by tomorrow evening. As this happens, the
pressure gradient tightens over the local waters, with N-NE
winds increasing to 20-25 kts with frequent gusts to 30 kts
(15-20 kts on the upper rivers/Currituck Sound) late tonight
into Thursday morning. Seas build to 5-7 ft on Thu with 3-5 ft
waves on the bay. SCAs are in effect for all marine zones
(including the upper rivers) starting late tonight through
Thursday aftn/evening. SCAs are in effect through 11z Fri (end
of 4th period) for the coastal waters, mainly due to lingering
5-6 ft seas. Will likely need to extend the SCA for the ocean
during future shifts (again...mainly for seas).

Winds diminish a bit to 15-20 kts over the bay/ocean (highest
NE/lowest SW) by late Thursday evening as the first low starts
to pull away from the area. The low originating out of the Gulf
will ride up the SE coast late Thursday into early Friday
morning. While winds turn to the NW Thu night, speeds will
average 15-18 kts as initially there will not be a lot of CAA
despite the NW winds. However, it is important to note that some
of the CAMs are showing 20-25 kt winds Thu night-Fri AM (but
will not advertise this just yet given the differences in the
models).

May see winds briefly diminish (to around 15 kts) from Fri-Fri
evening. However, additional SCA winds/seas are expected late
Friday night through Saturday as high pressure building in from
the west will result in strong CAA over the local waters.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
As of 930 PM EST Wednesday...

A Flood Watch has been issued for portions of SE VA and NE NC
from late Thursday morning through Friday morning. Two rounds of
moderate to occasionally heavy rain (one from Thu midday-
aftn...and another Thu night) will result in rainfall totals of
1 to 2 inches (with locally higher amounts) in the watch area.
Multiple instances of flooding are possible, especially later
Thursday into Thursday night.

The Flood Warning was cancelled for both the Richmond City locks
and Westham for this round of flooding. Additional warnings are
expected later in the week due to the expected mdt to hvy rainfall.

Flood warnings continue for the following rivers:

Nottoway near Stony Creek
Nottoway near Sebrell
Meherrin near Lawrenceville
Blackwater above Franklin
Cashie near Windsor
Chickahominy near Providence Forge

Currently, minor river flooding is expected at all of the above
rivers except Sebrell, where moderate flooding is forecast.
Additional flood warnings may be needed late in the week on the
Appomattox at Mattoax and Matoaca.

&&

.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Winter Weather Advisory from 4 AM to 7 PM EST Thursday for
     MDZ021.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 4 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for
     MDZ022-023.
NC...Flood Watch from Thursday morning through Friday morning for
     NCZ012>017-030>032-102.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 1 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for
     NCZ012.
VA...Winter Storm Warning from 1 AM Thursday to 7 AM EST Friday for
     VAZ048-060>062-064>069-079-080-509>517-519-521.
     Flood Watch from Thursday morning through Friday morning for
     VAZ084-086>090-092-093-095>098-100-523>525.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 1 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for
     VAZ077-078-084>086-089-090-092-523.
     Winter Storm Warning from 1 AM to 7 PM EST Thursday for VAZ075-
     076-081>083-087-088-518-520-522.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 1 AM Thursday to 6 AM EST Friday for
     ANZ650-652-654.
     Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EST Friday for ANZ656-658.
     Small Craft Advisory from 4 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for
     ANZ635>637.
     Small Craft Advisory from 1 AM to 10 PM EST Thursday for
     ANZ632-634.
     Small Craft Advisory from 1 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for ANZ633.
     Small Craft Advisory from 1 AM to 7 PM EST Thursday for ANZ630-
     631-638.

&&

SYNOPSIS...AJZ/LKB
NEAR TERM...MPR
SHORT TERM...AJZ/LKB
LONG TERM...RMM
AVIATION...MPR
MARINE...ERI
HYDROLOGY...MPR
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 17, 4:13 PM EST, 8 hours 47 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

VAZ048-060>062-064>069-079-080-509>517-519-521-182115-
Fluvanna-Prince Edward-Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Mecklenburg-
Lunenburg-Nottoway-Amelia-Powhatan-Brunswick-Dinwiddie-
Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover-Eastern Hanover-
Western Chesterfield-Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)-
Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico-
Western King William-Western King and Queen-Western Essex-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST
FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, east
central Virginia, north 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...Thursday through Tuesday.

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 is not expected at this time.

NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ093-095>098-100-524-525-182115-
Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-Bertie-Chowan-
Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-Isle of Wight-Norfolk/Portsmouth-
Suffolk-Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-Northampton-Newport News-
Hampton/Poquoson-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina,
eastern Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ012-VAZ084-086-089-090-092-523-182115-
Northampton-Gloucester-Mathews-Surry-James City-Southampton-York-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 4 PM EST
THURSDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina,
eastern Virginia and southeast 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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MDZ022-023-182115-
Wicomico-Somerset-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM EST
THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland.

.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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MDZ021-182115-
Dorchester-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM EST
THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland.

.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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

VAZ075-076-081>083-518-520-522-182115-
Westmoreland-Richmond-Prince George-Charles City-New Kent-
Eastern King William-Eastern King and Queen-Eastern Essex-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east 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...Thursday through Tuesday.

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 is not expected at this time.

VAZ087-088-182115-
Greensville-Sussex-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST THURSDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast 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...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

VAZ077-078-085-182115-
Northumberland-Lancaster-Middlesex-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 4 PM EST
THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MDZ024-025-VAZ099-182115-
Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-Accomack-
413 PM EST Wed Feb 17 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland and
southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

A brief period of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected early
Thursday morning. Little to no accumulation is expected.

Rain Thursday afternoon into Thursday night could produce some poor
drainage flooding.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

32 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Amelia

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Amelia forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.336, -77.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Brunswick

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Brunswick forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
36.765, -77.859 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Caroline

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Caroline forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
38.027, -77.347 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Charles City

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Charles City forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.354, -77.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Cumberland

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Cumberland forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.512, -78.245 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Dinwiddie

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Dinwiddie forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.076, -77.632 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Chesterfield

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Chesterfield forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.244, -77.410 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western Chesterfield

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western Chesterfield forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.379, -77.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.25 inch and 0.35 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Essex

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Essex forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.939, -76.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western Essex

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western Essex forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.939, -76.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Hanover

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Hanover forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.760, -77.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western Hanover

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western Hanover forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.760, -77.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.25 inch and 0.40 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Henrico

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Henrico forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.458, -77.296 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western Henrico

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western Henrico forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.506, -77.378 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern King and Queen

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern King and Queen forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.719, -76.895 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western King and Queen

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western King and Queen forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.719, -76.895 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern King William

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern King William forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.707, -77.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western King William

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western King William forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.707, -77.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Louisa

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Louisa forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.978, -77.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Western Louisa

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Western Louisa forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.978, -77.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Fluvanna

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Fluvanna forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.842, -78.277 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Goochland

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Goochland forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.722, -77.916 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Greensville

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Greensville forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
36.681, -77.551 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Lunenburg

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Lunenburg forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.946, -78.241 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Mecklenburg

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Mecklenburg forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.680, -78.363 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, New Kent

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
New Kent forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.505, -76.997 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Nottoway

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Nottoway forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.143, -78.051 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Powhatan

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Powhatan forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.550, -77.915 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Prince Edward

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Prince Edward forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.224, -78.441 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.30 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Prince George

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Prince George forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.240, -77.304 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Richmond

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Richmond forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
37.937, -76.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

Winter Storm, Westmoreland

When
February 18, 1:00 AM EST to February 19, 12:00 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland forecast zone
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.113, -76.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice accretions between 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch, along with sleet accumulations between 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch were reported. Several trees and power lines were downed, with numerous power outages reported.

What these are

Winter Storm
A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Virginia in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, February 2021

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: 943699, 943700, 943703, 943706, 943712, 943713, 943714, 943715, 943716, 943717, 943718, 943719, 943917, 943918, 943926, 943927, 943931, 943940, 943941, 943942, 943995, 943997, 944002, 944006, 944235, 944236, 944237, 944238, 944239, 944240, 944241, 944242.