Shoppers crowd Kroger's setting in supplies on Thursday, February 4th to weather the coming snowstorm. Significant snow is predicted to fall between 3 a.m. Friday morning February 5th through Saturday, February 6th with accumulations of 10-18", falling 1" an hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, February 5th. "Folks should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72-hours with extra batteries, flashlights, water and non-perishable food, and they should not drive during the storm unless it is an extreme emergency, said Robert Foresman, County Emergency Coordinator. (Photo by Patte Wood)

Significant And Hazardous Snowstorm Coming, Warns Foresman County, VDOT, State Police, Fire And Rescue, CSJH, National Guard, Red Cross Plan In Place By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   "Expect this to be a repeat of December's storm," said County Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Foresman. "This snow is expected to be heavy and wet, with an accumulation of 10 to 18" of snow and 1" of ice that could bring down power lines and trees." Foresman advises that snow is predicted to fall at the rate of 1" per hour beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday with limited visibility. The County is opening an Operations Command Center at the Lexington Police Station at 6 a.m. Friday morning and people with snowstorm related issues should call 540-462-3717 or 540-462-3708. For other emergency issues, including fire and medical emergencies, call 911. All agencies have coordinated their resources and operations for the coming snowstorm set to hit about 3 a.m. Thursday night and last through Saturday at 10:00 p.m. VDOT asks people to park cars in driveways and off roads to help with snow removal. "Folks should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72-hours with extra batteries, flashlights, water and non-perishable food, and they should not drive during the storm unless it is an extreme emergency. When you go out, check your neighborhood for downed power lines and trees and see if your neighbors need help," said Foresman. With the "significant weather event" coming, Foresman began his day on Thursday, February 4th with a meeting that brought together County Emergency, VDOT, State Police, Local Law Enforcement, the PSA and Lexington Public Works, CSJH, the Red Cross and the National Guard. VDOT has pre-staged for snow removal and the State Police has contracts with towing companies. The National Guard will be staged at the Lexington Armory if needed. Should folks become stranded on the Interstate or other roads, they will be taken to either the Natural Bridge, South River, or Fairfield Rescue or Fire Departments. If there are power outages and it is needed, MRMS will be used as an emergency shelter and supplies have been pre-staged there. With the recent December storm experience, Foresman says that they are hoping that things will run smoothly this time around and that I-81 doesn't become a parking lot! You can monitor the storm by listing to 3WZ, going to local media webpages or signing up on Alert Rockbridge via the Rockbridge County website. County Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Foresman closes his eyes in concentration as he listens to preparations being made by VDOT, the Red Cross, the State Police, and emergency responders as he coordinates resources to deal with the snowstorm set to hit tonight about 3 a.m. The County is opening an Operations Command Center at the Lexington Police Station at 6 a.m. Friday morning and people with snowstorm related issues should call 540-462-3717 or 540-462-3708. For other emergency issues, including fire and medical emergencies, call 911. (Photo by Patte Wood)

* * * * *