The University has canceled all Friday classes in preparation for this weekend's predicted snowstorm. The weather forecast also caused Gov. Bob McDonnell to declare Virginia to be in a state of emergency Wednesday.
Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer, issued an e-mail statement about the revised snow schedule to the University community. Though classes are canceled, essential staff in Parking and Transportation, Facilities Management, Housing, Information Technology and Communications, Dining Services and the University Police will arrive early in the morning so that the University's critical utilities can remain as stable as possible, according to the press release.
"This storm will bring severe weather to many parts of Virginia," McDonnell stated in a press release. "Please stay alert to the forecast for your area and make sure your family and neighbors are ready for hazardous weather conditions. As the storm affects your area, please stay off the roads and contact local authorities if help is needed."
Winter precipitation and strong winds are expected to arrive early to northern and western Virginia this weekend and may bring as many as 20 inches of snow to those regions. Meanwhile, heavy rains coupled with strong winds are expected to hit southeastern Virginia, and as much as three-quarters of an inch of freezing rain will hit western and southwestern Virginia, the press release stated.
Students should be wary of the hazardous conditions, said Jay Klingel, director of operations and maintenance at the University. For example, they should avoid using roadways for transportation, as conditions likely will be hazardous, he said.
The governor's office also warned of a strong possibility of power outages, which potentially could last for a few days. Additionally, roads may be dangerous or closed because of icy conditions that may accompany the storm. Residents should obtain important items, including water, food, blankets and battery-powered radios and flashlights in anticipation, according to the press release.
Charlottesville Director of Communications Ric Barrick has also issued a notice of restricted parking to ensure that crews are able to clean streets. Parking in downtown Charlottesville will be severely limited until the snow has been cleared. In the meantime, free parking will be provided in the Market Street and Water Street parking garages.
The city also has asked residents to refrain from parking on the streets outside residences so that crews can clear the side streets.
The large number of recent storm systems in the Gulf Coast is a factor that has led to this unusual frequency of winter storms in Charlottesville, said Philip J. Stenger, director of the state climatology office. No one, however, is sure of the exact cause of these systems, he added.
In fact, the recent weather patterns are among the most difficult forecasting problem Stenger has faced, he said. Temperatures hovering near the freezing point have made it difficult to predict the type and amount of precipitation that may occur, he said. But one can be confident that the upcoming storm will bring wet and heavy snow, which will be more difficult to drive on and will require more effort for cleaning crews to clear, he noted.
"The amount of snowfall around the state is approaching historic proportions," he said.
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