As freezing temperatures sweep across Southwest Virginia, the risk to those without shelter continues to rise. In response, the City of Lynchburg has partnered with the Salvation Army to open an overnight warming shelter, providing essential relief to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

These bitter temperatures could spell serious trouble for people without reliable shelter, but help is available in our communities.

Think you’re a pro when it comes to the history of winter weather in Southwest Virginia? Take this quiz to test your knowledge!

Forecasting for an entire season is very difficult, and it’s no secret that it lacks the skill of a day-to-day forecast.

Among the snow, rain and hail that fell Thursday, there was also graupel.

Even if there’s no snow, rain, sleet and ice can be dangerous, especially if you’re out on the road.

Tuesday brought ice, flooding and severe storms to the area, but there were some great photos to show for it.

Our Weather Authority Alert Day has ended. Chief Meteorologist Jeff Haniewich is here to let you know how much ice accumulated, and more details as we look ahead to our next storm system.

A Weather Authority Alert Day is in effect Saturday, Jan. 6 as winter weather continues to move through Central and Southwest Virginia.

As winter weather moved through Central and Southwest Virginia Saturday morning, our viewers sent us photos from their neck of the woods.

Not many people look forward to winter weather but it’s important to remain safe whenever it arrives.

If you have to be on the roads tomorrow, and you’re in a crash, we’re working for you with the steps you need to take.

With cold and messy weather making its way in, we wanted to see how people in our area are getting ready for it.

VDOT, along with different localities are prepping the roads to keep you safe.

The city of Lynchburg is partnering with the Salvation Army to open an overnight warming center for unsheltered individuals and families.

People tend to buy what ACE calls the three S's: Salt, Shovels and Sleds.

As we continue tracking the upcoming winter storm, we’ve been working for you to talk to local officials about how they are staying prepared.

Think you’re a pro when it comes to the history of winter weather in Southwest Virginia? Take this quiz to test your knowledge!

With the possibility of a winter storm looming, we’ve been checking in with local agencies in charge of keeping the roads clear and the power on.

Two systems appear minor, but the storm on January 6th has the potential to be impactful.

With some winter weather on the backside of this storm, roads may start to freeze over as the temperatures drop.

Most of our area saw more than a foot of snow in a day in early December 2018.

Check this article and video to watch Your Local Weather Authority's Winter Weather Outlook and find out how much snow we can expect this winter

We'll learn two things in October that will guide us in making a winter forecast.

Send us your photo via Pin It for a chance to be seen online and on-air

As parts of the region are seeing winter weather, VDOT urges drivers to use extra caution.

Depending on your location, we expect a mix of snow, sleet and rain on Super Bowl Sunday

Spring fever remains in full swing through Friday, but winter tries to fight back by Saturday night and Sunday

While it won't quite be like what we saw around Christmas, it will be noticeably cooler starting Friday

Leaders say the event will be held on Jan. 5 at the Main Branch of the Lynchburg Public Library

Many are still recovering from our Christmas cold snap. Send your pictures to us via Pin It for a chance to see them on air/online!

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools has postponed the Alcova basketball tournament that was scheduled to be held this week due to water damage in Clifton Middle School.

AEP started this winter storm with over 50,000 customer without power, most of which were in Virginia.

The dangerous temperatures have arrived and will remain at least through the holiday weekend – that’s why warming shelters across our area are preparing for visitors.

Northwest ACE Hardware off Williamson Road sold out of kerosene heaters shortly after opening their doors.

Staff warns that any wet roads will freeze overnight on Dec. 23 because of the extremely low temperatures, and the main trouble spots are bridges and overpasses.

With colder weather here, we’re working for you to share some safer heating alternatives.

The central gym in Pulaski County has been transformed into a warming center, just in time for frigid temperatures in the region.

As we prepare for colder weather, experts are urging homeowners to protect their pipes from freezing and bursting.

To get ahead of potential icy conditions, VDOT, Blacksburg, and other localities are pre-treating major roadways in their areas.

The few days leading up to Christmas are said to be the busiest during the holiday travel season. That, paired with the threat of cold and ice, could make driving even more difficult.

Light ice, rain and light snow are then followed by high winds and bitter cold

This Christmas weekend could be the coldest since the late 1980s.

The Virginia Department of Education is warning drivers to be extra careful on Friday morning because of slick roadways.

Send us your photo via Pin It for a chance to be seen online and on-air

Light ice accumulation is expected in some higher elevations Thursday morning

Freezing rain will fall in parts of the area during the morning commute Thursday

Freezing rain could make for a slippery commute in parts of the area Thursday morning

We finally see the return of sunshine Monday after a week straight of mostly cloudy to overcast skies

VDOT is gearing up to keep the roads clear this winter. By improving contracting to be more flexible, competitive, and attractive to contractors to address equipment and personnel shortages.

A glaze of ice is possible on elevated surfaces mainly south of US 460 Monday

February starts off cold and with a pair of storm systems to track through the weekend

A bitter cold is lingering just outside the door and people are bracing themselves as they endure the frigid temperatures.

Due to Saturday’s wintry weather, hundreds of churches across Southwest and Central Virginia have canceled or changed services.

Another winter storm is here and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management says it’s ready for what’s to come.

Winter can be a tough time for dogs, but there’s a lot we can do to help.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a state of emergency as Virginia braces itself for more winter weather expected to start Thursday and last through Sunday.

One stubborn front provides a couple chances for snow in the eastern half of our area

Residents in Canada sprang into action to save a driver who was taking a selfie as their car was sinking in a frozen river.

A slow-moving front could mean a couple threats of winter weather in parts of the area through Saturday

Out of an abundance of caution, VDOT is asking that drivers keep their vehicles off the streets and out of cul de sacs as snowplows work to clear the roadways.

As snow blankets much of Southwest and Central Virginia, the entire Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed due to hazardous conditions.

As snow continues to fall in much of Central and Southwest Virginia, here’s a look at photos viewers sent to us that capture its beauty.

Due to Sunday’s wintry weather, hundreds of churches across Southwest and Central Virginia have canceled or changed services.

Crews are on high alert coordinating their response to the winter storm expected Sunday.

Salting your driveway is not the only thing you can do to get your home ready for Sunday’s storm.

The Virginia National Guard says preparation is underway ahead of a winter storm that could give some areas in the Commonwealth the most snow they’ve seen in nearly three years.

If you’re a snow lover, you’re in luck! A good portion of our area can expect to become a winter wonderland.

A Roanoke business owner is picking up the pieces after winter weather made a major impact on his business.

Appalachian Power said the main reason for thousands of outages from the last storm was the amount of snowfall.

The western half of the area stands the best chance to see accumulating snow late Thursday night

After the Commonwealth was hit with a snowstorm on Monday, leaders in Virginia are taking action.

Accumulating snow precedes a blast of Arctic air Thursday night into Friday morning

A neighborhood in Wirtz is just one of many in our corner of the Commonwealth that lost power due to Monday morning’s snowstorm.

Are you excited to potentially see more snow this week?

Following a frigid Tuesday morning, the weather calms before another quick-hitting storm

The first snowfall of the new year left our region with two to seven inches of snow. Although the snow is done falling, drivers should still be cautious.

How VDOT is preparing for snow and keeping the roads safe this winter

Winter weather is right around the corner — but when exactly?

The law firm of Houston attorney Tony Buzbee is representing the Pineda family in the lawsuit over the death of 11-year-old Cristian Pineda. “Common sense tells you the weather played a part in his death,” Buzbee said. “What’s interesting about this whole ordeal is what these power providers and ERCOT knew long before many of us knew it,” Buzbee said. Entergy released the following written statement about the lawsuit: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in our community. We are unable to comment due to pending litigation.”Our sister station, KPRC 2, has also asked ERCOT for a statement regarding the lawsuit.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – A local company is helping people in the Commonwealth and beyond. Foster Fuels has more than 200 employees and trucks on the roads, working overtime to serve 20,000 customers in Virginia. We’re told many employees are trying to survive themselves while getting the job done. It’s a lot, but that’s what we’re here for,” said Chelsea Harrison, vice president of marketing for Foster Fuels. Crews are also helping Texas and Northern Virginia.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – VDOT is preparing for this round of winter weather, but they aren’t done cleaning up from last week’s ice storm. Crews pretreated roads and got the equipment ready all while working with utility providers to reopen roads as quickly as possible. “People don’t know what they’re going to encounter. They’re better off staying at home and sheltering in place. As of Wednesday afternoon, Central Virginia crews were still working on 50 secondary roads closed from last week’s storm.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – A bit of good news in all the recent power outages: some parts of our area have power once again. One couple we spoke with near Smith Mountain Lake had the lights turned back on around 2 p.m. Wednesday, after about 100 hours. “We’re lucky we have a lake so we can get water to use, and we have gas logs. That was about it, and we had battery-operated lights and flashlights,” said Vincent Ostermeier, a Dixie Acres resident. He said they also used coolers to keep food fresh, had their batteries charging and got the ice ready for another potential outage.

ROANOKE, Va. – Yet another winter storm is moving through southwest and central Virginia Saturday. This time, freezing rain is the main concern. Your Local Weather Authority has an updated timeline of the storm here. Send us your pictures, videos, etc.

While roads may improve a bit beyond the morning, we will still have to watch for slick spots throughout the day. TimingAs another storm system moves in from the south, this sets the stage for another round of freezing rain after 6 or 7 a.m. Saturday. AdFutureTracker - 10 a.m. SaturdayAs a southeast wind begins, we should start to see any freezing rain change to a chilly rain in parts of Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Pulaski and Bland Counties by midday or early afternoon. Moving ForwardWe’ll start with slick/icy spots Valentine’s Day morning and temperatures near freezing. We’re once again looking at the chance for freezing rain and rain Tuesday morning.

FutureTracker - 2 p.m. ThursdayAs colder air seeps farther south, we gradually start to see things changing over. FutureTracker - 7 p.m. ThursdayAs the night wanes on, we’ll notice that wintry mix creep farther to the south. So, it will rain longest the farther south you go before changing over to some freezing rain and sleet. That’s where we expect mostly rain before changing over to freezing rain. Freezing rain potential increasing for Saturday, 2/13/2021We’ll be mostly dry and in the 40s Valentine’s Day, before another wintry mix potential arrives late Monday night into Tuesday of next week.

We won’t see weather like that for quite some time, as we’re stuck in quite the repetitive pattern moving forward. Snow is more likely in Pocahontas, Bath and Highland Counties, with an icy mix possible in Alleghany and Rockbridge Counties. If the temperature is 33° or above up top, then we see a mix of freezing rain and sleet develop. Snow map for Wednesday night through Friday morning as of Wednesday, 2/10/2021Farther south of that, you see less snow. AdStorm threats - Thursday (2/11) to Friday (2/12)The Pattern BeyondWe get a break Friday afternoon, but there are indications of another rain/freezing rain mix coming our way Saturday and perhaps next Tuesday as well.

Out the door Monday morning - 2/8/2021Throughout the week, we’ll have Arctic air to our north and fairly cool air to our south. High temperature forecast for Monday, 2/8/2021As high pressure moves east, however, low level moisture sneaks in at night. Low temperature forecast for Tuesday morning, 2/9/2021Once that moves out, we’re warmer Tuesday afternoon with most of us around 50-55°. AdFutureTracker - late Wednesday night and early Thursday morningThe more pronounced storm system comes in late Thursday into Thursday night. What we're tracking for Thursday, 2/11/2021Keep checking back for updates as we go throughout the week and get more refined and detailed forecast data.

Between 8 and 10 a.m., the precipitation will come to an end as drier air moves in from the west. The difference between this week and last week is that we’ve had warmer air and a little rain preceding this event. AdWind speed and gust forecast for Sunday, 2/7/2021We’re bone dry once the Super Bowl kicks off Sunday evening, with temperatures above freezing. If it’s farther northwest, that will pull in warmer air and keep things mainly as a cool rain later on. That would create more of a freezing rain threat.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Depending on where you are in Lynchburg you saw between 4 and 6 inches of snow on Sunday, marking the Hill City’s first major storm in about two years. Most of the city’s primary and secondary roads were passable by the afternoon, according to Public Works Deputy Director Clay Simmons. To help plow the roads, the city partnered with a contractor because the public works department is down 15 employees due to job vacancies and COVID-19 concerns. He said city staff will drive by and plow whatever still needed to be taken care of. AdMeanwhile, VDOT reminded motorists to turn on their headlights while using windshield wipers, and it is state law to clear snow off vehicles before hitting the road.

While we didn’t see much snow, today’s winter weather is good news for ski resorts in the region. Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia received several inches of fresh powder, and while staff made snow on a regular basis, they said the real thing is always better. Meanwhile, Massanutten Resort in Rockingham County will be opening this upcoming weekend. So we’d like to make enough to make sure we make it through the next warm spell,” said Kenny Hess with the Massanutten Resort. This weather system is also benefitting Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County, where despite a lot of uncertainty, the chair lifts are now up and running.

Students in Danville will be learning from home on Wednesday, thanks to some winter weather that’s expected to head our way. According to an announcement made Tuesday, meal distribution sites will also be closed. Administrators, office staff, maintenance, custodians and transportation staff will report to work on a 2-hour delay. Bus drivers, bus attendants and nutrition staff will not report to work. To learn more about the winter weather expected Wednesday, click here.

ROANOKE, Va. – As winter weather made its first appearance Monday, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) were looking ahead to the changes in store this winter to keep staff members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. While VDOT workers will still be working around the clock this season to make sure roads are clear, they are required to follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. VDOT officials say it may take a little longer to get certain roads clear, but staff will still be working as quickly as possible despite the changes. “So when we’re doing winter weather, we might have some extra time, a little bit of extra time when the drivers exchange vehicles, and they’re doing everything safely; they’re wearing masks” VDOT spokesperson Sandy Myers said. VDOT has been working with the Department of Health to establish these guidelines.

For parts of the Rockies and Intermountain West, a powerful storm system flipped that upside down. A lone bison stands as a storm packing high winds and snow sweeps through the intermountain West Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Evergreen, Colo. Estimated snow totals reported by various National Weather Service officesWe received this photo of snow near Lander, Wyoming from Keith Trouwborst. Damaging Wind GustsThe wind around this bowling ball of a storm system was powerful at times as well, even for those who werent getting snow. As the wind screamed down the mountains toward Utah, wind gusts ranged from 50-100 mph.

ROANOKE, Va. – Latest model guidance has been bringing in the possibility for snow come Tuesday morning. Future Tracker 6 amWe are keeping our eye on the timing, but the latest models show this system moving into our area just before the morning commute. Future Tracker 2 pmTime to dissect this system and discuss what Your Local Weather Authority has agreed upon, so far. If clouds move in sooner rather than later, then our temperatures will be slower to drop, which means the potential for snow is less likely. Your Local Weather Authority will continue to bring you the latest updates on air and online.

ROANOKE, Va. – Along with colder temperatures comes the chance for ice and dangerous road conditions. You can see the Virginia Department of Transportation’s lines of defense against the ice on highways across southwest Virginia. VDOT spokesperson Jen Ward says usually, crews wouldn’t brine the highways with rain in the forecast. But because there’s a chance for sleet and ice, VDOT wants to take those precautions. “When you have air temperature and road temperature both impacting things, which is what we’re expecting (Friday) morning, that’s when you get your icy roads,” said Ward.

ROANOKE, Va. – A popular app now has a new feature that could help VDOT get snow off your road quicker. The WAZE app now allows you to report unplowed roads to VDOT. Up until now, the app just allowed you to see what roads have been plowed. The change was suggested by VDOT, according to a news release. To download the app, click here.

Industrial Biodynamics’ slip simulator proves that. "That really enhances that slip and usually leads to a fall.”Hager said marching with short, flat steps is the best technique. Walking like a penguin is commonly said to be the best technique. Industrial Biodynamics trains employees at companies across the country and the training, Hager said, is paying off. But even without training, the technique could make a difference when you head out the door Friday.