By Gracie Hart Brooks
Editor
Winter storm Fern packed a punch, mostly in the sleet category.
Although early forecasts called for as much as two feet of snow, Fern dropped just six inches of the white stuff according to data from the National Weather Service. However, the icy precipitation, up to .90 inches is what has caused the most issues.
Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency, the first of her tenure. Madison and Orange counties also declared local state of emergencies as well as the towns of Orange and Gordonsville. None of the localities reported any major issues aside from travel concerns and problems clearing parking lots and sidewalks. Madison County Administrator Jonathon Weakley said he saw some good Madisonian spirit with neighbors helping neighbors by shoveling and plowing driveways.
Plowing continues to be an issue days after the storm. As of Wednesday, crews remained in 24-hour operations working to clear roads as below-freezing temperatures continued. Officials said drivers should not expect bare pavement. Crews were utilizing abrasives such as sand to improve traction although with the cold expected to continue, icy conditions and slick spots would persist especially during overnight and early morning hours. Temperatures are not expected to get out of the 20s until Sunday which is expected to be 30 degrees.
The Virginia State Police responded to 506 crashes during the storm, 38 of which had injuries. Two proved fatal, with one thought to be not weather related. Forty-three crashes occurred in Division 2, of which Madison and Orange counties belong. Four had injuries.
Students continue to be out of school. Closures began Monday and for Madison and Orange students will last through Friday with both divisions having cancelled the rest of the week Wednesday. In anticipation of the weather, many teachers opted to send home work students could do during their time off.
Orange County Public Schools are hosting a free curbside meal distribution Thursday, Jan. 29, 1-3 p.m. at Orange County High School and Locust Grove Middle School. Meals are available for children ages 1-18. Students do not need to be present during pickup. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A similar event was held last week in Madison and Orange ahead of the storm.
The storm delayed several county and town meetings. The Madison County Board of Supervisors moved its meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday. The Gordonsville Town Council moved its meeting from Monday to Wednesday. The Town of Orange Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday was cancelled. The commission will meet Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. The Orange County School Board’s meeting Monday was cancelled. The board will next meet Feb. 2. The Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday was cancelled with agenda items added to the Feb. 10 meeting.
Many local businesses continue to be closed as parking lots remain covered. Patrons are encouraged to check Facebook pages and websites to determine if a location is open.
Meanwhile, more snow could be coming this weekend. Winter storm Gianna is threatening to impact the East Coast with what could be a bomb cyclone. According to The Weather Channel, Gianna could cause significant snow, strong winds and coastal flooding from the Carolinas to New England. Snow could begin in the area Saturday.
