RICHMOND COUNTY - Local residents may get their second dose of significant snowfall this calendar year as the National Weather Service has issued a "winter storm warning" for the immediate and surrounding areas from 11 p.m. Tuesday through 4 p.m. Wednesday.
A winter storm warning for snow means severe weather conditions are expected.
As Winter Storm Inga continues its eastward push through the middle stretch of the United States and onward into the western Carolinas, possible snow and ice accumulations could affect Richmond County. The storm system, which is expected to affect areas ranging from Louisiana northeast up the coast to central North Carolina, is predicted to begin affecting Rockingham and the Sandhills sometime before daybreak Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service's winter storm warning, as of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, "moderate to heavy snow (is) expected," with, "total snow accumulations of two to four inches are expected." Granted that is just the forecast, Richmond County may see accumulations that differ from the initial predictions, which may change as Inga develops. The NWS also heeds drivers to, "plan on difficult travel conditions, especially during the morning commute on Wednesday."
Just after New Year's Day a few weeks ago, areas of Richmond County saw roughly three inches of snowfall from the "bomb cyclone" caused by Winter Storm Grayson. Similar conditions to what were experienced then could occur during the next 24 hours.
The current warning also states to, "be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times, especially between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. (Wednesday)."
RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOLS/RICHMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE UPDATES
At the time of this publication, neither RCS or RCC had released any information regarding the closing or delays of Wednesday's school day or classes. The RO checked RCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman's personal Twitter account, as well as the district's Facebook page, and neither had been updated regarding the pending storm. RCC's Facebook page also had no mention of classes being canceled, and tonight's Charlotte Symphony production of Harry Potter is still going on as scheduled.
As new details emerge on closings, cancelations and delays as a result of Winter Storm Inga, the RO will report on them.
