Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Virginia, January 5 to 6, 2025

Name: Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Virginia, January 5 to 6, 2025
Start: 2025-01-05T16:00
End: 2025-01-06T23:00
Location: Virginia

January 5 to 6, 2025 · NWS AKQ · 23 events in 23 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 23 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: $7,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 23

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.

Low pressure moved from the Southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley on January 5 before occluding in the southern Appalachians on the morning of January 6. Meanwhile, a secondary low formed across northern Georgia on the morning of January 6 and tracked northeast through eastern North Carolina and out to sea. This Miller B setup resulted in three phases of wintry precipitation. Phase one occurred late on January 5 when warm air advection aloft from 850 to 500mb lifted north across Virginia and quickly overcame the dry air at the surface resulting in steady light to moderate snow that targeted areas from the I-64 corridor to south-central VA. With the very dry low-level air mass, temperatures quickly dropped to around 30 degrees after the arrival of the precipitation. This allowed the snow to quickly accumulate and with rates of around 1 inch per hour on average. Areas from the Piedmont to the Richmond Metro and even Prince George County and Williamsburg received 2 to 3.5 inches of snow in a three hour period before precipitation changed to sleet and freezing rain due to the warm air advection aloft. This area of snow shifted to the north and weakened a bit before phase two of the storm begun. Phase two of the storm began early on January 6 as the better mid-level forcing for ascent moved northward and a zone of 700mb frontogenesis overspread portions of central Virginia. This allowed for a second area of precipitation to track across areas along and north of I-64, producing a variety of precipitation types. Across the central VA Piedmont where the warm nose aloft was strongest, precipitation fell in the form of freezing rain. At one point, around 50% of people were without power in Cumberland County due to the combined effects from snow and freezing rain. In fact, ice accretions of up to 0.25 inches were observed. Farther north from Louisa County to the Northern Neck, mainly snow was observed with a widespread 4 to 6 inches of accumulation reported. In between from Fluvanna County to Tappahannock, a mix of snow and sleet fell, with combined snow and sleet totals of 2 to 4 inches. Some areas reported sleet totals of 1.5 to 2 inches in just a few hours. A break in the precipitation occurred during the afternoon of January 6 before phase three occurred. Phase three occurred during the evening of January 6 when an upper level feature tracked across the region, resulting in a final round of light to moderate snow moving across Virginia. This snow as generally observed from I-64 northward and produced 0.5 to 2 inches of snow as temperatures dropped back into the upper 20s.

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 Jan 5, 3:52 PM EST, 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 5, 3:52 PM EST, 8 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
352 PM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure weakens across the region today, as low pressure
tracks through the Tennessee Valley, bringing winter precipitation
to much of the area late today into Monday. Cold and dry conditions
are expected from Tuesday through the end of the week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
As of 1245 PM EST Sunday...

Key Message:

- Cold and dry today, light snow possible W of I-95 towards
  sunset.

Strong high pressure is centered from Canada into the northern
Plains, ridging SE into the local area this afternoon. A very
cold dry airmass prevails with temperatures primarily ranging
from the mid 30s N to the lower 40s S. High pressure will
remain in place over the local area today, with a very dry low
level airmass (dew pts mostly in the single digits into this
aftn). Mid level clouds increase this aftn in advance of low
pressure moving NE into the lower MS and wrn TN Valley, but
despite increasing lift twds late aftn, expect nothing more than
flurries or very light snow even across the piedmont through
around sunset. It will be a bit breezy across the eastern shore
with gusts to ~25 mph. Cold with highs in the mid 30s N to the
mid 40s S.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 415 AM EST Sunday...

Key Messages:

- Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in
  effect for most of the area from late this aftn into Monday
  night.

By this evening, low pressure is forecast to be centered in the
vicinity of western TN, with the upper low still lagging behind
to the NW over MO. The sfc low continues to track ENE tonight,
eventually becoming occluded across KY into early Monday, as
cyclogenesis develops farther to the SE across N central North
Carolina. This secondary low takes over during the day on Monday
with winds eventually shifting from E to N by late Monday
afternoon. The result will be a complicated weather pattern for
the local area with widespread mixed precipitation expected
beginning this evening and continuing into Monday evening.

In general, the latest runs of the NAM/HRRR are quicker to lift
the warm nose aloft (between 925-850 mb) northward Monday
morning compared to the GFS and therefore are lower with respect
to total snowfall accumulations. All of the models continue to
show low level cold air lingering basically through the entire
event from Dorchester MD WSW to the Louisa VA (as is typical).

In terms of overall snow/sleet/ice accumulations, changes made
to the going forecast are fairly minor:

- Added Hampton and Northampton VA to a Winter WX Advisory for a
  light snow/sleet accumulation overnight into early Monday
  morning. Upgraded the remaining Watches on the eastern shore
  to Winter Storm Warnings.

- Lowered ice accumulations a bit for areas to the E of I-95

- Raised total snow accumulation slightly across the far northern
  tier from Louisa to Dorchester.

- Timing-wise, raised PoPs rather quickly this evening, despite
  the low level dry air, anticipate strong dynamics to lead to
  likely to categorical PoPs spreading from W to E during the
  evening. Also increased snow amounts with the strong
  overrunning on the front end (as is often the case with these
  type of events).

- It appears that on the back-side of the storm Monday evening,
  additional accumulating snow along and S of US 460 will be a
  little less than the previous forecast, but areas to the N
  remain unchanged.

Confidence in freezing rain is too low across NE NC for any of
these counties to be included, though far northern portions of
interior NE North Carolina (mainly Northampton Co.)  may need
to be added in future updates. Regarding precip types, expect
virga or just snow flurries/sprinkles to occur for the first
few hours before the wet bulb temp can be reached (upper 20s to
around 30F).  Precip likely begins as snow, although it may
begin as a period of snow/sleet mix across far S portions of the
FA. The snow line then pushes N through the night, as the warm
nose aloft pushes N, allowing snow to change over to sleet and
eventually freezing rain (or plain rain at the immediate coast
from Norfolk to Currituck NC). There may be a bit of a lull in
precip across far southern VA and NE NC between ~09Z and ~15Z as
the transition occurs with the new sfc low developing, before
winds become N/NW late Monday afternoon into Monday evening as
the low moves offshore and intensifies. 00z models remain into
decent agreement that this wrap around moisture will be in the
form of snow (given cooling temps aloft and at the surface) with
a quick 1-2" of snow possible Monday evening across much of the
area., but generally highest from the north side of metro RIC to
the northern Neck and ern shore.  Snow ends Monday night as the
system moves farther offshore. Total QPF of 0.75-1.25" (highest
N and lower S) is expected across the area.

Highs Monday are expected to range from the lower 30s NW to the
lower-mid 50s near the coast in NE NC. Lows Monday night fall
into the mid teens NW to the mid 20s SE with a flash freeze of
any slush/rain remaining on roads likely. Additionally, wind
chills will likely be quite cold Monday night with wind chills
in the upper single digits possible across NW and N portions of
the FA and mid teens elsewhere. Some lingering clouds and cold
and blustery Tuesday with highs only around 30F across the N to
the upper 30s S. Have lowered highs across the N in anticipation
of a significant snowpack. Mostly clear Tue night, and again
have lowered temperatures several degrees across the north with
the anticipated snowpack. Lows range from the single digits
across much of VA N of RIC to the teens in most other places,
and locally in the low-mid 20s at the immediate coast in SE
VA/NE NC. Cold Weather Advisories will likely be needed across
much of the CWA, with values currently forecast near zero over
the far N and in the lower teens over the SE.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 350 PM EST Sunday...

Key Messages:

- Mostly dry with well below normal temperatures expected
  Tuesday night through Friday.

- Potentially unsettled heading into next weekend as another
  system develops across the Gulf coast region and lifts NE,
  potentially phasing with a northern stream system.

Anomalous upper troughing over the eastern CONUS will extend
through next week and likely into next weekend. Very cold
temperatures will persist with the potential for "feels
like"/apparent temperature readings to continue to approach or
exceed Cold Weather Advisory thresholds (+5 F for the NW half of
the area and +10 F for the SE half) during the Tuesday night
through Friday time period. A dry forecast will be maintained
through Friday. However, some the 12z/05 GEFS/EPS members are
forecasting another low pressure system to bring precip to the
FA next Friday night into Saturday, and the 12z/05 GFS/ECMWF
operational runs still each have a system impacting the region.
This will bring the potential for another period of winter
weather given the cold airmass that will likely be in place. The
12z GFS and ECMWF have come in colder with this system showing
more snow (especially away from the coast where warmer air could
chance precip to rain). However, there is still substantial
spread within the broader field of ensembles. Forecast high
temperatures are mainly in the upper 20s to mid 30s Wednesday
through Thursday, but will be impacted by how much snow is on
the ground (from the Sunday night/Monday system), especially
across the north. Overnight lows in the single digits are likely
across the N Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings if there
is enough snow on the ground. Staying cold Friday with highs in
the mid 30s to lower 40s. For now, have maintained PoPs at chc
levels for Friday night/Saturday, with mainly snow Fri night,
then showing a transition to RA in the SE Saturday, while
maintaining mostly SN over the NW.

&&

.AVIATION /21Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 1250 PM EST Sunday...

VFR conditions continue through this afternoon with clouds
increasing from W to E ahead of the next system. A large system
will bring wintry precipitation to the area from this evening
through Monday night. Confidence continues to grow on the timing
of the wintry precipitation. Light snow will generally begin at
RIC between 00Z-03Z, spreading towards the coast through
02-06Z. IFR conditions (due to a combination of CIGs and VIS)
become likely at RIC between 03-06Z, and SBY around 06Z. IFR VIS
is possible at ECG/ORF/PHF, but confidence decreases with
southern extent. Precip changes to rain at ORF/ECG by 12Z or
perhaps earlier, and gradually to the N later Monday morning.
Additionally, there will likely be a transition of sleet and
freezing rain in between the snow to rain with the potential for
several hours of mixed precipitation across all terminals
(highest confidence at RIC with a moderate confidence at
ORF/PHF). Significant snow/sleet accumulation will be possible
at SBY/RIC with the highest snowfall totals at SBY. Main
terminals should become all rain by late morning Monday (Monday
afternoon at SBY), but a change back to snow is expected Monday
evening. Additionally, winds remain W 5-10 kt this afternoon
inland and 10-15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt at SBY (20 kt at
RIC). Winds become light tonight before becoming NE 5-10 kt by
Monday afternoon.

Outlook: Dry and breezy Tue, remaining dry through Fri.

&&

.MARINE...
As of 350 PM EST Sunday...

Key Messages

- Marine conditions will improve tonight before worsening once
  again to gale-force winds for most of the marine area late
  Monday into Tuesday.

- Hazardous marine conditions likely persist much of the coming
  week.

High pressure is centered off the Southeast coast this aftn,
with developing low pressure over the Mississippi Valley. The
wind is mainly WNW 10-15kt, with seas ranging from 2-3ft S to
3-4ft N, and 1- 2ft waves in the Ches. Bay. Low pressure
continues to approach from the W tonight. The wind is expected
to become very light tonight as a narrow ridge of high pressure
passes across the coast, with the wind then shifting to SE
10-15kt early Monday as the high moves offshore. The initial low
weakens Monday and then redevelops and strengthens off the
coast Monday night. Strong CAA develops in the wake of the low
as a cold front sweeps across the coast along with pressure
rises of 4-5mb/3hr Monday evening. Therefore, the Gale Watches
have been upgraded to Gale Warnings for a NNW wind of 25- 30kt
with gusts to 35-40kt. Seas builds to 5-8ft with 3-4ft waves in
the Ches. Bay. SCAs have been issued for the upper rivers for a
NW wind of 15-25kt with gusts to 30kt.

The initial surge of CAA diminishes Tuesday into Tuesday night.
However, the wind likely remains at SCA thresholds for
primarily the Ches. Bay and ocean (once gale conditions end).
There is somewhat of a lull Wednesday as the pressure gradient
slackens. However, SCA conditions likely persist for the ocean
as seas remain elevated. A secondary cold front brings another
surge of CAA later Wednesday night into Thursday with additional
SCA conditions likely, and a potential for a period gale
conditions for the Ches. Bay and ocean. High pressure passes
over the coast Friday, before another low pressure system
potentially impacts the marine area Saturday.

&&

.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM EST Tuesday for MDZ021>025.
NC...Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM EST Monday for NCZ012.
VA...Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM EST Tuesday for VAZ048-060>062-
     064-068-069-075>078-083-085-099-509>522.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST Tuesday for VAZ065>067-
     079>082-084-086>090-092-093-096-097-523-524.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 9 AM EST
     Monday for VAZ100-525.
MARINE...Gale Warning from 7 PM Monday to 10 AM EST Tuesday for
     ANZ630>632-634.
     Gale Warning from 10 PM Monday to 10 AM EST Tuesday for ANZ633.
     Small Craft Advisory from 7 PM Monday to 4 PM EST Tuesday for
     ANZ635>637.
     Gale Warning from 7 PM Monday to 7 AM EST Tuesday for ANZ638.
     Gale Warning from 7 PM Monday to 4 PM EST Tuesday for ANZ650-
     652.
     Gale Warning from 7 PM Monday to 1 PM EST Tuesday for ANZ654-
     656-658.

&&

SYNOPSIS...LKB
NEAR TERM...LKB/RMM
SHORT TERM...LKB/RMM
LONG TERM...AJZ/LKB
AVIATION...LKB/RMM
MARINE...AJZ

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 5, 5:46 AM EST, 10 hours 14 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

MDZ021>025-VAZ048-060>062-064-068-069-075>078-083-085-099-509>522-
061100-
Dorchester-Wicomico-Somerset-Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-
Fluvanna-Prince Edward-Cumberland-Goochland-Caroline-Amelia-Powhatan-
Westmoreland-Richmond-Northumberland-Lancaster-New Kent-Middlesex-
Accomack-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-Eastern King William-Western King and Queen-
Eastern King and Queen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland, central
Virginia, east central Virginia, eastern Virginia, north central
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...Monday through Saturday.

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...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

VAZ065>067-079>082-084-086>090-092-093-096-097-523-524-061100-
Mecklenburg-Lunenburg-Nottoway-Brunswick-Dinwiddie-Prince George-
Charles City-Gloucester-Mathews-Greensville-Sussex-Surry-James City-
Southampton-Isle of Wight-Suffolk-Chesapeake-York-Newport News-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Virginia,
eastern Virginia, south central 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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

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...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

VAZ095-098-061100-
Norfolk/Portsmouth-Virginia Beach-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

A period with light snow or mixed precipitation is possible tonight
into early Monday morning before a changeover to rain. A light snow
accumulation is possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Mixed precipitation is possible early Monday morning before a
changeover to rain.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ012>017-030>032-061100-
Northampton-Hertford-Gates-Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-
Bertie-Chowan-Perquimans-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Mixed precipitation is possible tonight into early Monday morning
before a changeover to rain.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Mixed precipitation is possible early Monday morning before a
changeover to rain.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ102-061100-
Eastern Currituck-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

VAZ100-525-061100-
Northampton-Hampton/Poquoson-
546 AM EST Sun Jan 5 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM
EST MONDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for 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 Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

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...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 winter storm, 1 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Goochland

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Goochland forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.722, -77.916 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Mixed precipitation fell across Goochland County with snowfall totals ranging from 3 to 4 inches. A snowfall total of 3.3 inches was reported 2 miles (WSW) from Orchid. Additionally, VDOT reported a fallen tree near the intersection of Maidens Road and Log Cabin Road due to the winter storm. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Powhatan

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Powhatan forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.550, -77.915 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 2 to 3 inches across Powhatan County. Additionally, North lanes of Maidens Road were closed due to a fallen tree. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Accomack

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 11:00 PM EST
Where: Accomack forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 37.765, -75.757 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 5 inches across Accomac County. A snowfall total of 4.5 inches was reported 2 miles (NE) from Atlantic. Light freezing rain also occurred with 0.02 inches of ice accretion reported in Wallops Island.

Winter Storm, Western Hanover

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Western Hanover forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.760, -77.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 6 inches across western Hanover County. A snowfall total of 5.7 inches was reported 2 miles (WSW) from Gum Tree. Freezing rain also occurred with 0.28 inches of ice accretion reported at the Richmond/Hanover airport in Ashland. Additionally, VDOT reported that Old Ridge Road was closed due to a fallen tree.

Winter Storm, Eastern Hanover

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Eastern Hanover forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.760, -77.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across eastern Hanover County. A snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 2 miles (SW) from Mechanicsville. Additionally, at least light freezing rain likely occurred given radar and surface observations along with nearby reports of freezing rain at Richmond International airport (0.29 inches) and the Richmond/Hanover airport in Ashland (0.28 inches).

Winter Storm, Western Chesterfield

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Western Chesterfield forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.379, -77.587 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across western Chesterfield County. A snowfall total of 3.5 inches was reported 5 miles (E) from Moseley. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Chesterfield

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Eastern Chesterfield forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.244, -77.410 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across eastern Chesterfield County. A snowfall total of 3.6 inches was reported in Matoaca. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Fluvanna

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Fluvanna forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 37.842, -78.277 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals up to around 4 inches were reported across Fluvanna County. A snowfall total of 3.7 inches was reported in Hardware. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Caroline

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Caroline forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.027, -77.347 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 4 to 6 inches across Caroline County. A snowfall total of 6 inches was reported in Penola. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Western Henrico

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Western Henrico forecast zone
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.506, -77.378 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across western Henrico. A snowfall total 4 inches was reported 1 mile (ESE) from Longdale. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with 0.25 inches of ice accretion reported 1 mile (E) from Longdale, 0.17 inches of ice accretion reported 2 miles (W) from Dumbarton, and 0.1 inches of ice accretion reported 4 miles (N) from Short Pump. The freezing rain led to a report of multiple branches down 1 mile (WNW) from Short Pump.

Winter Storm, Eastern Henrico

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Eastern Henrico forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.458, -77.296 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across eastern Henrico County. A snowfall total of 4 inches was reported at the Richmond International Airport. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with 0.29 inches of freezing rain reported at the Richmond International Airport.

Winter Storm, Western King William

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Western King William forecast zone
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 37.707, -77.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 5 inches across King William County. A snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 1 mile (N) from West Point with 6 inches of snow reported to the northwest in Caroline County in Penola. While no snowfall reports were received in western King William County, it can be inferred that this portion of the county received 3 to 5 inches of snow given the surrounding reports and radar presentation. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern King William

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern King William forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.707, -77.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across eastern King William County. A snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 1 mile (N) from West Point. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Western King and Queen

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Western King and Queen forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.719, -76.895 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across western King and Queen county. A snowfall total of 2.8 inches was reported 2.6 miles (NNW) from Mattaponi. Meanwhile, a snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 1 mile (N) from West Point in King William County. Therefore, it can be inferred that the western portion of county received 3 to 4 inches of snow given the surrounding reports and radar presentation. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern King and Queen

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern King and Queen forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.719, -76.895 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches across eastern King and Queen county. A snowfall total of 2.8 inches was reported 2.6 miles (NNW) from Mattaponi. Meanwhile, a snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 1 mile (N) from West Point in King William County. Therefore, it can be inferred that the western portion of county received 2 to 4 inches of snow given the surrounding reports and radar presentation. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Western Essex

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Western Essex forecast zone
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 37.939, -76.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals likely ranged from 4 to 6 inches across western Essex County. No snowfall reports were received in Essex County. However, a snowfall total of 6 inches was reported to the west of Essex in Penola within Caroline County. Between nearby reports of snow and the radar presentation, it can therefore be inferred that between 4 to 6 inches of snow likely fell across western Essex County. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Essex

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern Essex forecast zone
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 37.939, -76.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals likely ranged from 3 to 5 inches across eastern Essex County. No snowfall reports were received in Essex County. However, a snowfall total of 6 inches was reported to the west of Essex in Penola within Caroline County. Another snowfall total of 4 inches was reported 1 mile (N) from West Point in King William County to the south. Between nearby reports of snow and the radar presentation, it can therefore be inferred that between 3 to 5 inches of snow likely fell across eastern Essex County.

Winter Storm, Westmoreland

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Westmoreland forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 38.113, -76.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across Westmoreland County. A snowfall total of 3.5 inches was reported 0.5 miles (NE) from Stratford. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Richmond

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Richmond forecast zone
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 37.937, -76.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An estimated snowfall of 3 to 4 inches fell across Richmond County based on surrounding snowfall reports from nearby counties including 6 inches in Penola within Caroline County to the west, 6.2 inches 1 mile (NE) from King George in King George County to the north, and 2 inches 3 miles (N) from Lottsburg in Northumberland County to the east. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Western Louisa

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Western Louisa forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.978, -77.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 6 inches across western Louisa County. A snowfall total of 3 inches was reported in Trevilians before a final round of snow. A snowfall total of 6.5 inches was reported 1 mile (E) from Cuckoo in eastern Louisa County with snowfall totals of 5 to 6 inches northwest of Louisa in Orange County. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Eastern Louisa

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Eastern Louisa forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.978, -77.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 4 to 7 inches across eastern Louisa County. A snowfall total of 6.5 inches was reported 1 mile (E) from Cuckoo. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Storm, Amelia

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Amelia forecast zone
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.336, -77.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals generally ranged from 3 to 4 inches across Amelia County. A snowfall total of 3.5 inches was reported 3 miles (SW) from Genito. Additionally, a tree fell onto Grub Hill Church Road resulting in a road closure. Another tree fell onto Genito Road, resulting in another road closure. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

Winter Weather, Charles City

When: January 5, 4:00 PM EST to January 6, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Charles City forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.354, -77.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall totals are estimated to have been between 3 to 3.5 inches across Charles City County. While no snowfall reports were received in the county, a snowfall total of 4.5 inches was reported 1 mile (W) from Bottoms Bridge to the northwest of Charles City County in Henrico County. Meanwhile, a snowfall total of 3.5 inches was reported 1 mile (W) from Prince George in Prince George County to the south of Charles City County. Additionally, a tree fell onto West Run Road, resulting in a road closure. Snow changed over to a wintry mix with at least light freezing rain likely occurring. However, no specific freezing rain total was reported.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Virginia in 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history Warnings in Virginia, January 2025

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: 1231144, 1231184, 1231202, 1231381, 1231385, 1231414, 1231415, 1231416, 1231417, 1231736, 1231777, 1231791, 1231848, 1231885, 1231888, 1231916, 1231919, 1231932, 1231934, 1231935, 1231936, 1231939, 1231960.