A significant winter storm occurred over the Mid-Atlantic February 19-20 2025. Arctic 1050mb high pressure built into the area early on the 19th.
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.
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.
The episode as NWS AKQ wrote it up.
A significant winter storm occurred over the Mid-Atlantic February 19-20 2025. Arctic 1050mb high pressure built into the area early on the 19th. Two mid level disturbances impacted the region with two somewhat distinct rounds of winter precipitation. Very cold temperatures resulted in little to no mixed precipitation in Virginia and anomalously high snow to liquid ratios. Snow totals ranged from around 1 inch in Louisa and Caroline counties to 3-5 near the Richmond Metro. Snow totals were impressive across southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore with 5-13 inches reported.
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 19, 3:08 AM EST, 2 hours 52 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
308 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025
.SYNOPSIS...
A significant winter storm will impact the area today through
Thursday. Dry but very cold weather is expected Thursday night.
Temperatures will moderate through the weekend, while dry
conditions prevail.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 305 AM EST Wednesday...
Key Messages:
- A significant winter storm will impact southeast portions of
the area today into Thursday. 5-10" of snow is expected across
southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, with 2-6"
expected farther inland.
- Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for a majority of the
forecast area, with Winter Weather Advisories in effect for
the northernmost counties including Dorchester.
Arctic high pressure is centered over the northern plains early this
morning, with sfc ridging extending ESE into the northern Mid-
Atlantic. A northern stream shortwave over KY continues to track
east toward the area, while a southern stream shortwave is tracking
ENE across the Deep South. Temps have fallen into the mid 20s-lower
30s (with some mid 30s in coastal SE VA/NE NC) with the Arctic high
providing a supply of cold/dry air with NE winds. Clouds are quickly
increasing across the area due to mid-level WAA/isentropic ascent.
In fact, radar mosaic shows some light echoes across the Piedmont,
but none of this is reaching the ground yet. As isentropic ascent
overspreads the area this morning ahead of that northern stream
shortwave, steady light snow (rates of 0.1-0.5"/hour) will
overspread the central third to half of the area (with the band of
snow likely centered along the I-64 Corridor). Temps will be in the
mid 20s at the onset of the snow, so it will immediately start
accumulating on area roadways. With the snow arriving in the RIC
Metro as early as 7 AM, the morning commute could be impacted. By
midday, 1-2" of snow is possible from the Piedmont to RIC Metro.
Mostly dry wx is expected through much of the morning near the coast
and across SE VA/NE NC.
As the southern stream shortwave tracks across the Carolinas later
today, low pressure will begin deepening off the Carolina coast. As
this happens, snow (possibly mixed w/ sleet near the Albemarle
Sound) will quickly overspread SE VA and NE NC with steady light
snow continuing inland. Expect conditions across SE VA and NE NC to
deteriorate rapidly during the aftn as a zone of strong 850-700mb
frontogenesis sets up which will lead to snowfall rates as high as 1-
2"/hour from mid afternoon through part of tonight. The steady snow
ends from NW-SE across the Piedmont/RIC Metro between 5 and 11 PM as
energy from the northern stream shortwave transfers to the southern
stream one. Confidence in 5-10" snowfall totals in the SE forecast
area continues to be high, but the trend in the 00z guidance has
been to lower snow totals west of I-95. The NAM (and other hi-res
models) have backed off quite a bit from yesterday's 12z runs to the
most recent 00z runs. Not sure our Piedmont counties will reach the
4" threshold for a warning, but will keep 3-4" in the forecast from
Cumberland County south to Mecklenburg/Brunswick. The moderate to
heavy snow will finally come to an end near the coast early Thursday
AM.
Thursday morning will provide another burst of snow on the back end
of the system as a strong mid/upper low dives southeastward across
the Mid-Atlantic. While the upper levels will have started to dry
out, moisture will remain in place within the snow growth zone
(around 700mb) through midday-early aftn. Temperatures will be in
the 20s across all of the forecast area, so snow ratios will be
quite high, leading to a light and fluffy snow. A quick 0.5-1.0"
(perhaps a little more in spots) is possible during this time. Winds
will increase (especially near the coast) during the day on
Thursday. Gusts to 30 mph will be common, which will likely lead to
blowing/drifting snow...especially since the last round of snow will
be light and easily moved around. Have maintained mention of blowing
snow in the coastal areas and Eastern Shore through Thursday
evening.
Snow Totals...
The forecast has remained roughly the same near the coast and across
the RIC Metro since yesterday's update...but has been lowered west
of I-95. SE VA and NE NC along with the VA portion of the Eastern
Shore still remain the target of the highest snow totals, where 5-
10" are expected, with locally higher amounts possible. Still think
the RIC Metro and especially Tri-Cities see 4-6". Will continue the
Winter Weather Advisories from Louisa to Cambridge, with snow totals
between 2-3" possible in these areas. Will keep the rest of the MD
Eastern Shore in the 3-5" range with a warning. Light ice
accumulations are forecast for a small portion of NE NC near the
Albemarle Sound.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
As of 305 AM EST Wednesday...
Key Messages:
- Very cold weather is expected Thursday night, with single
digit wind chills forecast for the majority of the area.
- Temperatures begin to moderate on Friday with highs in the
upper 30s to lower 40s.
Very cold temperatures are expected Thursday night, with
lows plummeting into the teens to lower 20s. These frigid lows,
combined with the elevated winds, will likely lead to single digit
wind chills. Cold Weather Advisories may be required for a
significant portion of the local area. As the low moves further
offshore Thursday night into Friday, the gradient will begin to
relax. The aforementioned high will gradually shift eastward and
finally settle across our area on Friday night into early Saturday.
With high pressure and dry air dominating the region Thursday
afternoon through Saturday morning, no precipitation is expected
during this time. Temperatures will slowly start to moderate
somewhat beginning Friday and highs will peak in the upper 30s to
lower 40s. Low temperatures Friday night will drop back into the
teens to lower 20s, with radiational cooling expected as winds
slacken further and cloud coverage remains minimal.
&&
.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 305 PM EST Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Gradual warming trend as high pressure builds in, with a few weak
systems that could bring light showers next week.
High pressure will continue to dominate the area Saturday with a
coastal low forming in the SE and then pushing offshore by Monday.
This low pressure will be weak and likely not bring any precip to
the area. The next low pressure that may affect the area
Tuesday/Wednesday appears to be a weak disturbance as well.
Currently have only slight chc for light showers in the northern
tier of counties on Tuesday night/Wednesday.
Temperatures will slowly rise this weekend into mid next week.
Friday lows will be cold in the mid teens with Saturday warming up
to the lower 40s. Overnight lows will be in the upper 20s Saturday
night and Sunday night, with highs Sunday in the upper 40s to lower
50s. Temperatures then become more moderate to start off the week
with highs in the mid 50s on Monday and upper 50s to lower 60s on
Tuesday. Overnight lows will then reach above freezing Monday and
Tuesday night.
&&
.AVIATION /08Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 1230 AM EST Wednesday...
VFR at all terminals to start the 06z/19 TAF period. Winds are
currently NNE 5-10 kt at RIC, ORF, and PHF, with calm winds at ECG
and gusts up to 20 kt at SBY. CIGs will start to decrease in the
next six hours, but will remain VFR. A low pressure system will move
just south of the area bringing snow to all major terminals. Snow
will impact RIC first around 12z dropping flight categories to MFR.
Heavy snow is expected to begin around 15-19z for all major
terminals, with the further west seeing impacts first. Expect VIS
and CIGs to quickly drop to IFR with the heavy snow. Sites in the SE
(ORF, PHF, and ECG) may be heavy at times with VIS dropping to 1/4SM
or less at times, especially after 18z. Snow will continue through
the period. Winds will remain from the NE around 5-10 kt, with ORF
gusting to 20 kt after ~23z/19.
Outlook: Degraded flight conditions will continue through Thursday
afternoon. Behind the low pressure system, high pressure will move
into the area with VFR conditions returning Thursday night through
Saturday.
&&
.MARINE...
As of 335 AM EST Tuesday...
Key Messages:
- Small Craft Advisory conditions expected for most of the local
waters through Friday.
- A period of Gale conditions are likely across the Chesapeake
Bay and coastal waters Thursday night and Friday morning and
Gale Warnings have been issued.
- Quieter marine conditions expected this weekend into early next
week.
High pressure continues to ridge southeastward into the local area
this morning in advance of developing low pressure to our S. A push
of cooler air has led to elevated northerly winds across the waters
this morning and winds have increased to 15-25 kt on the Chesapeake
Bay and 15-20 kt on the coastal waters. These winds are expected to
last through mid-morning and Small Craft Advisories are in effect.
Quickly after these winds diminish, low pressure is expected to take
shape along a coastal trough offshore of NC/SC. As the low lifts NE
later today into tonight, a tightening pressure gradient is expected
to another period of elevated winds, first across the southern
coastal waters and lower Chesapeake Bay this evening, followed by
areas to the N tonight and early Thursday morning. Small Craft
Advisories have been raised and/or extended through most of Thursday
to account for this. Note the SCA only goes through 15z/10 AM this
morning for the upper bay and lower James given a pronounced sub-SCA
lull in winds is expected this afternoon. Once this SCA drops off,
additional SCAs will be needed to cover the Wed night and Thu
period. There will also be moderate to heavy snow across the waters
today through Thursday morning, with significantly reduced
visibilities in snow. Small craft conditions continue through most
of Thursday with NW winds 15-25 kt with gusts to 30 kt. A pronounced
push of CAA then arrives Thursday evening, lasting into the morning
hours of Friday. Gale conditions are likely for most of the waters
with NW 20-30 kt sustained winds and gusts to 35-40 kt. Have
upgraded Gale Watches to warnings for all of the Chesapeake Bay
zones and coastal waters N of the NC/VA border. Guidance and
probabilities are less enthusiastic S of the NC/VA border so will
maintain the Gale Watch there. Gale Warnings/Watches are in effect
through 15z Friday. Lastly, the upper rivers and Currituck Sound
will likely fall shy of gales and have SCAs here instead. SCA
conditions linger through most of Friday after the Gales drop off as
NW winds gradually decrease.
Quieter/benign marine conditions prevail for the weekend as
expansive high pressure dominates the local water pattern.
Waves and seas of 2-4 ft are expected this morning with the push of
northerly winds. Seas then build quickly to 4-7 ft tonight and
Thursday morning as the low lifts NE, first across the srn waters
this evening and then toward the northern waters Thursday morning.
Seas remain elevated at 4-7 ft through the strong CAA push Thursday
night-Friday morning. Waves in the bay are also expected to build to
3-5 ft, with 2-4 ft in the rivers and Currituck Sound. Waves/seas
slowly diminish through Friday and especially the weekend.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
As of 615 AM EST Tuesday...
River Flood Warnings remain in effect for the James River at
Cartersville, Richmond-Westham, and the Richmond Locks, and also for
the Appomattox River at Farmville, Mattoax, and Matoaca. Warnings
also continue for the Meherrin River near Lawrenceville and the
Nottoway River near Rawlings/Stony Creek/Sebrell. These points
will see minor to moderate flooding, which will likely continue
for the next couple of days. See water.noaa.gov/wfo/akq for the
latest site-specific information.
&&
.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM EST Thursday for MDZ021.
Winter Storm Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM EST
Thursday for MDZ022>025.
NC...Winter Storm Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM EST
Thursday for NCZ012>017-030>032-102.
VA...Winter Storm Warning from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM EST
Thursday for VAZ075>078-084>090-092-093-095>100-521>525.
Winter Weather Advisory until 1 PM EST Thursday for VAZ048-064-
509>511.
Winter Storm Warning until 6 PM EST Thursday for VAZ060>062-
065>069-079>083-512>520.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EST this morning for ANZ630-
631-638.
Gale Warning from 4 PM Thursday to 10 AM EST Friday for
ANZ630>632-634-650-652-654-656.
Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM EST Thursday for ANZ632-634-
656-658.
Small Craft Advisory until 1 PM EST Friday for ANZ633.
Small Craft Advisory from 1 PM Thursday to 1 PM EST Friday for
ANZ635>637.
Small Craft Advisory from 1 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday for ANZ650-
652.
Small Craft Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 4 PM EST
Thursday for ANZ654.
Gale Watch from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning for
ANZ658.
&&
SYNOPSIS...ERI/NB
NEAR TERM...ERI
SHORT TERM...ERI/NB
LONG TERM...KMC
AVIATION...AJB/KMC
MARINE...SW
HYDROLOGY...AKQHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wakefield VA 539 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025 VAZ048-064-509>511-191145- Fluvanna-Caroline-Western Louisa-Eastern Louisa-Western Hanover- 539 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia and north central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and 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. VAZ060>062-065>069-079>083-512>520-191145- Prince Edward-Cumberland-Goochland-Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway- Amelia-Powhatan-Brunswick-Dinwiddie-Prince George-Charles City- New Kent-Eastern Hanover-Western Chesterfield- Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights)- Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond)-Eastern Henrico- Western King William-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen- Eastern King and Queen- 539 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, east central Virginia and south central Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and 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. MDZ022>025-NCZ012>017-030>032-102-VAZ075>078-084>090-092-093-095>100- 521>525-191145- Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-Northampton- Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-Bertie-Chowan- Perquimans-Eastern Currituck-Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland- Lancaster-Gloucester-Middlesex-Mathews-Greensville-Sussex-Surry- James City-Southampton-Isle of Wight-Norfolk/Portsmouth-Suffolk- Chesapeake-Virginia Beach-Accomack-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-York- Newport News-Hampton/Poquoson- 539 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, northeast North Carolina, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia and southeast Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and 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. MDZ021-191145- Dorchester- 539 AM EST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland. .DAY ONE...Today and 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.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
35 heavy snow. Local standard time, as filed.
Snowfall totals across Charles City county range from 3-6 inches. A public report measured 5.6 inches of snow 1 SE of Roxbury, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches across the county. 5 inches of snowfall was measured near Sutherland, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 5 inches across Chesterfield and Colonial Heights. 5 inches of snow was measured 1 NNE of Chesterfield.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches across eastern Hanover county. 3 inches was measured 4 WNW of Westwood, VA. A 5 inch snow total was measured just across the county border in eastern Henrico, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches across Essex county. 5.5 inches of snowfall was measured near Tappahannock, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 5 inches across eastern Henrico county. Official NWS observation at the Richmond airport measured 4 inches of snowfall. Some values closer to 5 inches are likely across the far SE portions of the county.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 6 inches across King William county. NWS employee measured 5.5 inches of snowfall near West Point, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 6 inches across the county. A CoCoRaHS user 4 W of Ebony, VA measured 5.8 inches.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches across the county. A CoCoRaHS observer measured 5.5 inches of snow 2 ESE of Colonial Downs, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches across the county. A trained spotter measured 5 inches of snowfall in Blackstone, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 5 inches across the county. A NWS employee measured 4.6 inches of snow 2 SSE of Templeton, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 8 inches across the county. An NWS employee measured 8 inches of snowfall near Lottsburg, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches across western Chesterfield county. A public report of 4 inches of snow was received from 1 W of Bon Air, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches across Brunswick county. A report of 4.5 inches of snow occurred near Alberta, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches across eastern King and Queen county. NWS employee measured 5.5 inches of snowfall 3 NNW of Shacklefords, VA.
Snow reports varied widely across Accomack county. Emergency manager measured 8 inches of snow 5 WSW of Pungoteague. A trained spotter reported 7 inches of snow near Bloxom, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 6 to 13 inches across Chesapeake. Public reported 12.5 inches of snow 2 SW of Greenbrier, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 7 inches across Gloucester county. A CoCoRaHS report of 6.8 inches of snow was measured 1 S of Ware Neck, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 6 inches across the county. Public reported 5.3 inches of snow 1 SW of Emporia, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 7 to 10 inches. Public measured 10 inches of snow 2 WNW of Phoebus, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 5 to 8 inches across the county. Public measured 6.5 inches of snow 2 ESE of Carrolton, VA. A report of 7.8 inches was logged just over the county line near Wills Corner, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches across the county and Williamsburg. A report of 6 inches was measured 1 WNW of Jamestown, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 4 to 8 inches across the county. An NWS employee measured 8 inches of snowfall in Lottsburg, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 7 inches across the county. A CoCoRaHS report of 7 inches was logged 1 SE of Port Haywood, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 2 to 6 inches across the county. Public report of 5.5 inches of snow was logged from Wilton, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 5 to 9 inches across the county. Amateur radio report of 8.5 inches was received from 2 SSE of Hilton Village, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 8 to 12 inches across Norfolk. A public report of 11.5 inches was received from 1 SSW of Norfolk, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 6 to 11 inches across the county. A public report of 10.5 inches was received from 2 SE of Bay View, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 5 to 8 inches across the county. An NWS employee measured 8 inches of snowfall near Lottsburg, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 3 to 7 inches across the county. A CoCoRaHS observer measured 7 inches of snow 2 SW of Drewryville, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 6 to 11 inches across Suffolk and the county. A CoCoRaHS observer measured 10.6 inches of snow 1 NNW of Driver, VA.
Snowfall ranged from 4 to 6 inches across the county. Nearby public observation measured 6.2 inches just over the county line. Additional observations surrounding the county were 5 to 6 inches.
Snowfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches across the county. The official observation at the Wakefield NWS office was 6.2 inches.
Snowfall ranged from 8 to 13 inches across the county. A public report of 13 inches was received from 1 SE of Macons Corner.
Snowfall ranged from 4 to 9 inches across the county. A public report of 8.8 inches was measured in Tabb, VA.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, February 2025
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: 1235427, 1235430, 1235433, 1235434, 1235435, 1235436, 1235437, 1235926, 1235928, 1236265, 1236266, 1236267, 1236275, 1235439, 1235441, 1235443, 1235445, 1235446, 1235885, 1235889, 1235922, 1235923, 1235924, 1235925, 1235927, 1235929, 1235930, 1235931, 1236264, 1236268, 1236271, 1236272, 1236273, 1236274, 1236276.