(LOOTPRESS) – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg continues to monitor a significant winter storm that has blanketed the region with substantial amounts of snow and ice overnight. Meteorologists are seeking assistance from residents to gather accurate measurements of snow depth and ice thickness to better understand the storm’s impact.
If conditions are safe, the NWS is asking community members to measure and report the following:
•Snow Depth: The depth of snow in your area.
•Ice Thickness: The thickness of ice from freezing rain, measured from a flat, level surface such as a picnic table or snow board for best accuracy.
For ice measurements, if a flat surface is unavailable, residents may measure from round objects such as tree branches or railings. In those cases, they are advised to record both the thickest and thinnest parts of the ice and report the average. When submitting measurements, it is essential to specify the type of surface used.
Reports can be submitted through the NWS webform at inws.ncep.noaa.gov/report/index.html. Snow and ice measurements must be submitted as separate reports due to system requirements. In the remarks section of the form, contributors are encouraged to provide additional details, including:
•Observations on weather conditions.
•Damage to trees, power lines, or structures.
•Road conditions.
The NWS also welcomes reports and photos via their social media accounts:
These contributions are invaluable to forecasters as they assess the storm’s severity and track its progress. Residents are reminded to prioritize their safety while making observations.
“Your reports play a crucial role in helping us understand the storm’s impacts,” an NWS spokesperson said. “We greatly appreciate your time and efforts in keeping our community informed.”
Stay warm and safe as this winter storm continues to move through the area.
