The kids got their wish across Central Virginia as almost all school systems dismissed students early on Thursday afternoon in advance of the approaching winter storm. On WSET.com, the closing and delay list was updated on Thursday night to show all area schools closed on Friday.
Facebook reports from around the state on Thursday showed snow began in the early afternoon in the Roanoke area. Snow in Lynchburg arrived just in time for the evening commute, resulting in hundreds of minor accidents.
The News & Advance reported 26 accidents serious enough for police involvement by 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and over 100 calls for towing assistance.
Friends and neighbors kept in contact on Facebook during the long, snowy evening. In various parts of Lynchburg, most residents reported 2-4 inches of heavy, wet snow.
The snow made for beautiful photos and many area parents took their kids outside to play. Other parents decided to wait until Friday to let the kids enjoy the snow day.
As I was out shoveling snow on Thursday evening, very few cars were on the roads. Several people were walked home with grocery bags from Kroger or Walgreens, with cars left behind in ditches or snowed-in parking lots.
The city public works crews were unable to put down chemicals prior to the snowfall, due to the heavy rains which preceded the snow. Plows began to salt roads around 5 p.m. and have been working around the clock to plow roads.
Major highways throughout Central Virginia were closed due to accidents. Routes 460 and 220 were closed between Roanoke and Lynchburg, leaving some commuters stranded between work and home.
On Facebook, some area residents reported sitting in traffic on I-581 for over two hours. Others reported trees falling in their yards.
Temperatures plummeted overnight and there are icy roads reported this morning. Kids of all ages will spend Friday sledding the hills of Lynchburg.
From Perrymont hill off Fort Avenue to Norfolk Avenue off Rivermont Avenue, the kids will find the best hills on Friday.
Early morning Facebook reports show that many streets are very icy so morning commutes should be interesting for those who do have to get to work. Many banks and businesses are opening late on Friday.
With weekend temperatures dropping each night, the kids may be able to enjoy several days in the snow before it all melts.
See the articles below for snow day fun ideas for the kids and tips on how not to drive in snow and ice for parents. Be careful on the roads and watch for black ice, especially before dawn.
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