Wintry weather expected for area

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather outlooks, warnings and watches for the area this week.

When all is told, the area could get about 3 inches of snow mixed with freezing rain and sleet. All of it could be topped off with rain before the system clears the area Wednesday night.

With predictions calling for mixtures of snow, freezing rain and sleet, area roads could prove hazardous.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is warning drivers to be aware of icy conditions through Wednesday.

VDOT advises drivers to keep up with traffic advisories, either by calling 511 or logging on to http://www.511virginia.org.

AAA Mid-Atlantic suggests that drivers stock their vehicles with emergency supplies, such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blanket, cell phone, small shovel, reflector triangle or flares, jumper cables, paper towels or cloth wipes, de-icer and scraper and a bag of sand or cat litter.

“The best we can say is be prepared ahead of time,” said Virginia Chichester, of AAA’s Albemarle branch.

The weather service called for snow to possibly start early this morning. During the day snow could mix with freezing rain and sleet. Tonight, temperatures could drop to 31 degrees and the mix might change to rain, freezing ran and sleet.

Wednesday may bring rain or freezing rain, with a high reaching 43 degrees.

There is a slight chance of more snow falling Wednesday night.

The weather likely will clear up Thursday, becoming partly sunny with a high near 40.

Charlottesville spokesman Ric Barrick said the city’s two 40-person crews, which work 12-hour shifts during most storms, are ready. But he warned drivers to still be aware that during such storms, secondary roads are likely to ice over before the city’s 24 snow plows can get to them.

He also asked residents to avoid parking on the street prior to any snow event. Vehicles that are parked illegally will be towed, he said. Also, city ordinance requires all residents and business owners to clean sidewalks within 12 hours of the end of a snow event.