BREAKING: Rain Turning To Snow In Richmond, Hazardous Commutes Likely Today
Richmond is on a knife edge this morning. Light rain at 34°F is already cooling. As the cold deepens, the city will flip to snow, and fast. A Winter Storm Warning runs 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST. I am tracking 3 to 5 inches across the metro, with some spots topping that. Roads will turn slick as temperatures hover near 31 to 32°F through the day. Plan for a difficult morning and evening rush.
Breaking Now: Rain Flips To Snow Across Richmond
The changeover from rain to snow is underway from west to east. Pavement is wet, which can hide thin ice as temperatures slide to the freezing mark. Expect the first slushy spots on bridges and overpasses. Side streets and shaded areas will freeze first. Once snow rates pick up, that thin glaze will get buried, and traction will drop quickly.
This is a classic marginal-temperature winter storm for central Virginia. The air is just cold enough near the ground. Moisture is plentiful. That recipe often produces heavy, wet snow that clings to trees and cars. If you are on the road when bands intensify, visibility can drop in minutes.
What To Expect Through The Day
Snow will expand across the city and western Henrico by mid to late morning. It will continue through midday and into the afternoon. Most neighborhoods land between 3 and 5 inches by early evening, with locally higher totals in northwest suburbs and higher spots.
Daytime temperatures will sit near freezing. That slows salt and brine and can create a freeze and thaw cycle. Crews will focus on main routes first. Residential streets will be slower to improve. Sidewalks and steps will be slick, especially where rain refreezes under the new snow.
Morning and evening commutes are likely to be hazardous. Leave early, reduce speed, and check 511 before you drive.
Why This Storm Packs A Punch
This storm rides in on a strong plume of moisture. The air above is cold enough for snow, but the ground started the day wet. That makes for heavier flakes and quick slush, not powder. If a narrow band stalls, a neighborhood can add an inch per hour for a time.
There is also a climate angle here. Warmer oceans and air can load storms with more water vapor. In Richmond, that often means rain. On days like today, when the temperature sits right at 32°F, that added moisture can flip to wetter, heavier snow. The result is fewer snow days than decades ago, but more intense bursts when conditions line up.
Commute And Community Services
VDOT and city crews are pretreating and plowing, but timing is tough. The rain-to-snow switch can wash away brine, then lay down fast accumulation. Expect lane reductions and slower bus service as the day wears on. Flights may face delays if bands linger over runways.
If you must travel, build in extra time. Keep your lights on. Clear your roof and hood so snow does not blow onto your windshield or another driver.
Make a quick car kit now. Pack water, snacks, phone charger, a small shovel, and a flashlight.
Sustainability And Safety Steps
Salt helps, but we should use it wisely. Excess salt runs off into the James River and local streams. It harms fish and plants. Shovel early, scrape to the pavement, then use only as much de-icer as you need. Sand can add traction with less impact.
Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those without reliable heat. Wet snow is heavy. Lift with your legs and take breaks. Consider clearing a drain near your home. When melting starts, open drains move that water away and reduce refreeze tonight.
- Key priorities today: drive slowly, shovel early, use salt sparingly, check 511 for road updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the rain change to snow in Richmond
A: The flip is progressing this morning and will be widespread by late morning into midday.
Q: How much snow will fall
A: Most of the metro will see 3 to 5 inches. A few spots may exceed that under heavier bands.
Q: Will schools or offices close
A: Many decisions will come midmorning. Monitor local media and official alerts for closures and delays.
Q: Could power outages happen
A: The snow is wet and can weigh down small branches. Isolated outages are possible where bands hit hardest.
Q: How does climate change affect winter storms here
A: We see fewer cold days overall, but storms carry more moisture. On borderline cold days like this, that can mean heavier, wetter snow.
The Bottom Line
Richmond is heading into a messy winter day. Rain is giving way to heavy, wet snow as temperatures sit near freezing. Travel will be slow, and commutes are at risk. Plan ahead, drive with care, and use de-icer wisely to protect our waterways. I will continue to monitor the bands and totals. Stay safe, Richmond, and look out for one another as the storm peaks this afternoon.
