Update: While Richmond waits for Wednesday's snow, the James jumps its banks

Larry Brown, a forecaster with the NWS Forecast Office in Wakefield, said snowfall will likely begin Wednesday morning after sunrise, with heavier snow arriving late in the afternoon.

Alec Butner, also a forecaster with the NWS, said the snow may slow down or stop briefly late Wednesday, but return before the Thursday morning commute.

Higher snow totals are projected southeast of Richmond throughout the storm, while areas north of Richmond are looking at less snowfall. The snow is expected to clear out by Thursday afternoon.

The NWS placed Richmond under a winter storm warning Tuesday afternoon as the weather projections became clearer.

While no freezing rain is in the forecast, the snow and freezing temperatures are slated to create hazardous driving conditions. Windy conditions are anticipated for Thursday, presenting another hazard for drivers.

Significant melting would likely begin Friday afternoon as temperatures rise into the low 40s and continue up through the weekend.

Virginia State Police are urging the public to not travel during the storm and to give road and emergency crews enough space to work.

People can receive the latest information about Virginia road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Schools closed again

On Wednesday, Henrico and Chesterfield schools will be closed, while Richmond and Hanover schools are switching to virtual learning.

The Chesterfield School Board work session and meeting scheduled for Wednesday was moved to next Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Plan and Capital Improvement Plan were on the agenda for that meeting.

Following last week’s winter storm, Richmond-area school divisions were tasked with figuring out how to handle the dwindling number of snow days.

The Richmond and Henrico divisions are out of allotted school closures, while Chesterfield schools have one more closure day available.

James River at moderate flood stage

The James River crested Tuesday afternoon above 17 feet at the Westham Gauge, which is just downstream from the Huguenot Bridge. Moderate flooding begins at 15 feet, while 22 feet is considered major flooding.

Water began to reach the Pony Pasture parking lot on Monday. By Tuesday, the entire lot was covered.

The river is expected to drop below moderate flood stage Wednesday afternoon, just as more snow hits the region.

Down river, the city closed the Dock Street floodwall on Monday as a precautionary measure.

The highest crest ever recorded at the Westham Gauge was 28.62 feet on June 23, 1972, following Hurricane Agnes.