Search Virginia.gov:

• VDEM Home
• About VDEM
• Threats & Emergencies
  • Blackouts
  • Chemical Emergencies
  • Drought
  • Floods
  • Geologic Events
  • Hazmat Incidents
  • Heat-Related Emergencies
  • Hurricanes
  • Lightning
  • Public Health Threats
  • Radiological Events
  • Terrorism
  • Thunderstorms
  • Tornadoes
  • Wildfires
  • Winter Weather
• Prepare & Prevent
• Recovery Center
• Newsroom & Archives
• Training Calendar
• VA Business Toolkit
• Citizen Corps
• Emergency Management Community Home
• Programs & Services
• Grant Information
• Library
• Regions & Localities

Threats & Emergencies  

Winter Weather

Winter Home • Winter Basics • Preparing for Winter Weather • Responding to Winter Weather

Winter Basics

Watches and Warnings

When severe winter weather threatens your area, it’s essential that you listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated information. Make sure you are familiar with the various winter-related watches and warnings.

• Winter Weather Advisory: Declared when winter weather conditions are expected to cause difficulty and might be dangerous. With caution, these situations should not become life-threatening.
• Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now.
• Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors.
• Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow with near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. Seek shelter immediately.