VIRGINIA — A widespread cold weather advisory remains in effect across much of Virginia through Sunday morning, with dangerously low wind chills prompting concerns about potential school closures or delays Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills across large portions of the state are expected to drop well below zero overnight into early Sunday, with some areas experiencing wind chills as low as 5 degrees below zero.
The advisory covers central, northern, northwest, south-central, and southwestern Virginia, including communities such as Roanoke, Blacksburg, Lexington, Bedford, Albemarle County, Stafford County, and parts of the Richmond metro area. Officials say the cold is the result of strong northwest winds combined with arctic air moving into the region.
Weather officials warn that prolonged exposure to the extreme cold could result in hypothermia or frostbite, particularly for children waiting at bus stops or walking to school.
The conditions may also create challenges for school transportation systems, including mechanical issues with buses and unsafe conditions for students outdoors during early morning hours.
While the cold weather advisory is expected to expire by late Sunday morning or mid-morning in some areas, school districts often assess early Monday morning wind chills when making closure or delay decisions. Administrators may also consider lingering cold, potential infrastructure concerns, and student safety when determining schedules.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and ensure pets and outdoor animals have adequate shelter and unfrozen water.
School officials are expected to announce any closures or delays late Sunday or early Monday morning.
