Winter Storm in Carroll, Virginia

Between 1 and 5.5 inches of snow fell around Carroll County from February 11 through February 12, with 5.5 inches reported southeast of Laurel Fork, and 5 inches reported near Gladesboro. Also, 0.25 inches of ice accumulation was reported in the city of Galax. Trees were downed from ice and snow accumulations, and caused road closures. A couple vehicle accidents due to hazardous road conditions and downed trees were reported, including one involving a tractor trailer and snow plow that resulted in one injury. Over 9700 customers had lost power by 8 AM on February 13. Key Impacts: power outages, downed trees, road closures, vehicle accidents.

A high pressure wedge was situated over the region as a surface low pressure system developed over the southern Plains, with an expansive area of precipitation that shifted eastward into the Mid Atlantic during the day of February 11. Precipitation began as snow, but with the high pressure wedge in place and warm air increasing aloft, a transition from snow to sleet and freezing rain occurred along and south of the Virginia and North Carolina border, so parts of southern Virginia received significant ice accumulations. Ice accumulations on trees and power lines resulted in thousands of power outages and road closures. Western Virginia, especially the Alleghany Highlands area, received heavy snow, accumulations of a foot or more were reported.