Key Points
- Richmond Mayor Danny Avula declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of a winter storm forecasted to bring lighter snow than initially expected but heavier freezing rain, posing risks to power lines across the region.
- The National Weather Service upgraded Richmond from a “Winter Weather Advisory” to a “Winter Storm Warning” on Friday, with the storm’s timeframe unchanged.
- Snow expected to move into the Richmond area after sunset on Saturday night, continuing overnight with 3 to 6 inches of accumulation.
- Precipitation to switch to sleet and freezing rain by Sunday morning, with ice accumulations of half an inch or more on power lines likely to trigger widespread outages.
- All precipitation to end by Monday morning.
- Dominion Energy warned of a “severe storm and multi-day power restoration effort” due to heavy ice accumulation, severe damage to trees and power lines, and difficult travel conditions.
- Post-storm temperatures to remain below freezing for the first part of the week, limiting thawing and exacerbating conditions.
- Area schools planning Monday cancellations and monitoring further developments.
- Richmond opened The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue for those in need.
- National Weather Service meteorologists highlight low temperatures as particularly concerning, urging preparation for potential power outages from Sunday night into Monday and possibly longer.
Richmond (West London News) January 24, 2026 – Richmond Mayor Danny Avula declared a state of emergency on Friday as forecasts indicate snow and ice will begin falling tonight, raising fears of widespread power outages from freezing rain across the region.
The storm, now under a National Weather Service “Winter Storm Warning” upgraded from a prior advisory, promises lighter snow totals than first predicted but greater risks from ice buildup capable of toppling power lines.
What Triggered the State of Emergency Declaration?
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula took decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on Friday, responding to updated forecasts showing a shift towards heavier freezing rain despite reduced snow expectations. As reported in initial coverage, the mayor’s move aims to mobilise resources ahead of the storm’s arrival.
The National Weather Service’s upgrade to a “Winter Storm Warning” on the same day underscores the escalating threat, with the storm’s timing holding steady.
Meteorologists emphasise that while Richmond has endured larger snow events in the past, the combination of ice and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures post-storm heightens vulnerability.
When Will Snow and Ice Start Falling in Richmond?
Forecasters predict snow will enter the Richmond area after sunset tonight, Saturday, January 24, persisting through the overnight hours.
Accumulations are projected at 3 to 6 inches in the Richmond vicinity, lighter than some earlier models suggested.
By Sunday morning, the snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain, marking the onset of heightened dangers from ice on infrastructure.
All forms of precipitation are set to conclude by Monday morning, though lingering effects will dominate.
How Severe Is the Freezing Rain Threat?
Freezing rain poses the primary hazard, with ice accumulations of half an inch or more sufficient to overload power lines and cause widespread failures.
Dominion Energy issued a stark briefing on Friday, stating,
“This is likely to be a severe storm and multi-day power restoration effort. Heavy ice accumulation, severe damage to trees and power lines, and difficult travel conditions could prolong the power restoration effort over multiple days.”
The utility further noted,
“Following the storm, we are also expecting several days of extreme cold weather,”
compounding restoration challenges.
What Are the Expected Snow Accumulations?
The Richmond area faces 3 to 6 inches of snow overnight from Saturday into Sunday, a moderation from initial heavier projections.
This amount, while significant, pales against historical benchmarks for the region, yet pairs perilously with subsequent ice.
National Weather Service updates confirm the timeframe’s stability, with snow initiating post-sunset tonight.
Why Are Post-Storm Temperatures So Concerning?
Temperatures will stay below freezing through the week’s early days, severely restricting thaw and amplifying outage durations.
National Weather Service meteorologists flag these lows as uniquely worrisome, beyond mere snow totals, and advise readiness for outages spanning Sunday night to Monday or extended in isolated spots.
The cold snap hinders natural ice melt from trees and lines, straining repair crews amid multi-day efforts.
What Is Dominion Energy’s Preparation Plan?
Dominion Energy anticipates a “multi-day power restoration effort” owing to ice-induced havoc on trees and infrastructure.
The company’s Friday briefing highlighted protracted timelines from heavy accumulations and treacherous roads.
Extreme cold in the aftermath will further test operations, as noted in their forward-looking assessment.
Which Schools Are Closing and for How Long?
Area schools have preemptively scheduled cancellations for Monday, with ongoing vigilance for extensions.
Decisions reflect the storm’s projected peak impacts, prioritising safety amid outages and travel woes.
Administrators will reassess Sunday conditions before confirming beyond Monday.
Where Can Residents Find Emergency Shelters?
Richmond authorities have activated The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue for vulnerable individuals.
This facility stands ready to accommodate those displaced by outages or unsafe home conditions.
City officials urge early access planning given the storm’s severity.
How Does This Storm Compare to Past Richmond Events?
Richmond’s history includes heftier snowfalls and fiercer storms, yet meteorologists spotlight the ice-low temperature duo as outliers.
Past resilience offers some reassurance, but the power line vulnerability from freezing rain demands fresh preparedness.
National Weather Service stresses multi-day outage potentials exceeding typical recoveries.
What Preparation Steps Do Officials Recommend?
Residents face calls to stock essentials for outages potentially stretching beyond Monday, per National Weather Service guidance.
Mayor Avula’s emergency declaration facilitates rapid resource deployment, from shelters to utility support.
Dominion Energy echoes the need for patience during what they term a “severe storm” phase.
Who Is Most at Risk During This Event?
Vulnerable populations, including those reliant on power for medical needs, top concern lists amid prolonged cold.
Meteorologists and officials target Sunday night through Monday as peak risk windows.
Shelter openings address immediate homelessness and outage exposures.
The storm’s evolution—from advisory to warning—mirrors adaptive forecasting, with freezing rain emerging as the decisive peril over snow volume. Dominion Energy’s prognosis of extended blackouts underscores logistical strains from ice-laden lines and foliage. Schools’ Monday shutdowns signal broad institutional caution, while the Salvation Army shelter provision exemplifies grassroots response layers. As snowflakes herald the onslaught tonight, Richmond braces under Mayor Avula’s stewardship, embodying the city’s weathered yet vigilant stance against winter’s whims.
