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Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Bluefield Area
On November 22, forecasters alerted residents of the Bluefield region about an impending weather event expected to bring significant snowfall and strong winds over the next few days. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts temperatures dropping low enough to create hazardous black ice conditions, posing a risk for commuters during morning and evening travel.
A winter weather advisory was issued by the NWS, affecting West Virginia’s Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, and Summers counties as well as Tazewell County in Virginia.
In addition, a wind advisory was activated, beginning at noon on Thursday and lasting until 6 a.m. on Saturday, impacting the Virginia counties of Tazewell, Bland, Giles, and Wythe, alongside West Virginia’s Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Greenbrier counties. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 50 mph, which could result in power outages and increased risk of fallen trees and limbs, particularly those weakened by recent storms.
The winter weather advisory is set to remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Saturday. According to meteorologist Adam Baker from the Blacksburg, Virginia weather service, residents can anticipate a total accumulation of 3 to 4 inches of snow from Thursday through Saturday.
“We are expecting a mix of snow showers and periods of accumulating snow,” Baker noted. “While it might ease up briefly on Friday morning, additional snowfall is projected for later Friday and into Saturday.” He mentioned the possibility of exceeding the anticipated totals, but emphasized that 3 to 4 inches is the primary forecast.
In response to the adverse weather, Tazewell County Schools have opted for virtual education today as a precautionary measure.
Additionally, Tazewell County EMS has made arrangements for warming stations, ready to assist those in need until Saturday. Individuals can reach out to a non-emergency number for additional information. The designated warming stations are as follows:
- Abbs Valley Volunteer Fire Department at Tazewell County EMS Station 2, 1289 Boissevain Road, Bluefield, Va.
- Bishop Volunteer Fire Department, 219 Radio Street, Bishop, Va.
- Bluefield Town Hall, 112 Huffard Drive, Bluefield, Va.
- Burke’s Garden Volunteer Fire Department, 7030 Burke’s Garden, Tazewell, Va.
- Clearfork Volunteer Fire Department, 7146 Clearfork Road, Bastian, Va.
- Richlands Police Department, 1851 Cranwell Drive, Richlands, Va.
- Tannersville Volunteer Fire Department, 1138 Freestone Valley, Tannersville, Va.
- Tazewell County Volunteer Fire Department, Fuller Perry Building, Fairgrounds Road, Tazewell, Va.
- Thompson Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 8905 Thompson Valley, Tazewell, Va.
In light of these forecasts, the West Virginia Department of Transportation recommended several winter driving precautions for residents to ensure safety during these conditions. Drivers are advised to:
- Reduce their speed significantly on icy and snowy roads.
- Avoid abrupt movements while steering, braking, or accelerating to maintain control.
- Keep a safe distance from snowplows and salt trucks.
- Be vigilant for icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- Adjust driving speed according to current weather conditions rather than just following posted limits.
Source
www.yahoo.com