Ice Storm — Central Virginia Blue Ridge, Virginia

2022-12-14 to 2022-12-15 · Central Virginia Blue Ridge, Virginia

Event narrative

NPS reported significant ice accretion resulting in a significant number of downed trees throughout Shenandoah National Park. The park remained closed for nearly a week.

Wider weather episode

An area of low pressure passed by to the west with another area of low pressure developing near the Chesapeake Bay. This resulted in southeasterly winds to overrun colder air near the surface and a prolonged wintry mix/freezing rain event across the Allegheny and Potomac Highlands where temperatures were just below freezing. Ice accumulations totaled one quarter to three quarters for most, with upwards of one inch across the higher terrain of the Blue Ridge. Sleet accumulations totaled upwards of 1 as well. This led to numerous accidents, downed trees and power lines which resulted in isolated power outages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1061675. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.