Winter Storm — Washington, Virginia

2026-01-24 to 2026-01-26 · Washington, Virginia

Event narrative

A significant and highly damaging ice storm unfolded in Washington County VA as temperatures struggled to get to 32F or above, especially in the northeastern portion of the county. Ice accretion ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 inches across the county, resulting in significant damage. A trained spotter reported a maximum of 0.75 inch in the Emory and Meadowview areas, these locations stayed below freezing for a significant period of time. Extensive utility damage occurred, with power poles, powerlines, and transformers breaking from either ice weight outright or collapse of trees. At least 45% of the county was without power by the evening on the 25th. Snow and sleet accumulations of 0.8 inches near Bristol and 2.0 inches at the coop in Abingdon were also recorded.

Wider weather episode

Broad scale upper lift led to a complex winter storm across southwestern Virginia, with onset precipitation of snow transitioning to a long period of freezing rain and icing conditions. Precipitation eventually changed over in all locations to rain. On the backside of the system another bout of light snowfall occurred.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1315018. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.