Strongest winter storm of the season brings record snowfall across Virginia
The strongest winter storm of the season dropped record snowfall across Virginia, with some areas experiencing the heaviest snowfall in decades. Virginia Beach recorded a rare, record-breaking snowfall of over 25 cm (10 inches) from Wednesday to Thursday, February 19–20, 2025.
Snow accumulating at the NWS office in Wakefield as winter storm passes over Virginia from February 19 into 20, 2025. Image credit: NWS
- Norfolk and Virginia Beach received rare and significant snowfall on February 19 and 20, with accumulations exceeding 250 mm (10 inches).
- The storm led to hazardous road conditions, causing multiple accidents.
- Virginia Beach closed all offices and facilities from Wednesday through Thursday, while waste collection and recycling services were rescheduled for Saturday, February 22.
The largest winter storm of the season has brought the heaviest snowfall in years to parts of Virginia, with snowfall rates reaching approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) per hour. Much of Virginia Beach and Norfolk recorded rare snowfall exceeding 25 cm (10 inches) from Wednesday into Thursday.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) reported 26 cm (10.2 inches) of snowfall from the storm by Thursday morning. According to Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel, who arrived in the region on Wednesday to track the storm, this was the eighth-heaviest snowfall recorded for the area since records began in 1890.
Reports indicate that parts of Virginia Beach city recorded approximately 32 cm (12.5 inches) of snow, making it the second-highest snowfall event for the area since 1989. Cantore also reported an unofficial snowfall total of 27.5 cm (10.8 inches) for Virginia Beach.
The system is expected to continue moving eastward, bringing additional snow showers while cold, blustery conditions persist in the region. The City of Virginia Beach closed all offices and other facilities from Wednesday through Thursday due to the worsening storm conditions.
Authorities advised residents to remain indoors due to hazardous weather and road conditions. Waste collection and recycling services are expected to be completed by Saturday, February 22.
Several road accidents have been reported across the region, as accumulating snow caused vehicles to lose control and swerve off the roads.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reported ongoing plowing operations in Spotsylvania, Caroline County, and sections of the I-95 corridor, where roads remained covered in snow and slush. The Fredericksburg area and the Northern Neck were expected to receive heavier snowfall through Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service (NWS) stated that the heavy snowfall threat ended on Thursday morning, though lingering snow showers were expected through early afternoon, with an additional 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) of snowfall anticipated.
Extremely cold temperatures are forecast for the region on Thursday night, with wind chill values expected to drop between -15 and -12°C (5 to 10°F). A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for much of the area from 22:00 LT on Thursday to 10:00 LT on Friday, February 21. Meanwhile, the Winter Strom Warning will remain in effect till 18:00 LT on Thursday.
References:
1 Area Forecast Discussion – NWS – February 20, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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