PETERSBURG – The second snowfall for us in the past week brought more accumulation than the earlier one, but something it did not appear to bring was more headaches for motorists and local work crews trying to navigate around in it.
The National Weather Service office in Wakefield estimated that between 3-4 inches of snow fell across the Tri-City area from Friday night through the Saturday overnight areas. Some isolated spots reported totals up to five inches.
It was unclear if the weather had anything to do with a water line break overnight along Mecklenburg Street in eastern Petersburg. A statement from the city advised that residents there may experience a drop in water pressure, but there was no need for a boil-water advisory.
“The water is safe to drink,” the statement said.
Repairs were expected to be finished Saturday afternoon, the city said. While the repairs happen, there may be brief periods of water shutoffs.
More: Legislator puts in bill to create commission to oversee Petersburg casino revenue-sharing
Across the area, drivers heeded warnings from the Virginia State Police about travel. A VSP spokesperson said troopers responded to 94 crashes statewide, including 28 in the Division 1 area that includes central Virginia.
‘Virginia State Police encourage drivers to avoid travel as much as possible to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation the opportunity to make the roads as passable as possible.” spokesperson Matthew Demlien said in an email.
In a Facebook post, VDOT echoed the state police’s sentiments.
“Snow removal takes time,” the post read. “Please hold non-essential travel and give our crews the time and space they need to safely plow and treat the roads.”
Interstates and primary highways are the top priority for snow removal, VDOT said.
Holiday lights around the fountain at Petersburg’s Poplar Lawn park make a pastoral scene against the snowfall Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
More: Girl Scout Cookie 2025 lineup, how to find them: Bittersweet, two iconic flavors to retire
A lot of the snow that fell overnight could melt Saturday under brightly sunny skies and a high temperature around 40 degrees. Remember, though, that whatever melts during the day could refreeze overnight, so caution should still be exercised.
This snowfall could be the last we see for a while. NWS is predicting clear skies all the way through to Friday, but it will remain chilly with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Snow falls across Petersburg area for second time in a week