A severe ice storm struck central Virginia on Thursday, February 6, 2025, particularly impacting the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont region. The storm led to significant damage, including numerous fallen trees that caused road blockages and widespread power outages. In Madison County, ice accumulation from freezing rain ranged between 4 to 11 mm (0.15 to 0.45 inches).
The ice-laden trees succumbed to the weight of the ice, resulting in road obstructions and hazardous conditions. The storm was part of a larger winter weather system that affected multiple states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
In addition to the ice, a rare meteorological phenomenon known as "thunder ice" was observed in several areas, where flashes of lightning accompanied the freezing rain. Flooding was also reported in parts of West Virginia and Kentucky, with some creeks overflowing and prompting rescues of stranded drivers. The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association sought emergency fosters for 15 dogs as rising waters threatened their shelter.
The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 150 km/h (95 mph) briefly touched down in Hart County, Kentucky, causing structural damage. Later in the evening, severe storms moved into eastern Tennessee, leaving at least two people dead and three injured.
In the Mid-Atlantic region, ice-covered trees and power lines raised concerns over potential outages, though most areas saw minimal disruptions before temperatures rose later in the day. New England schools closed or delayed classes in response to forecasts of several inches of snow, with Maine seeing over 200 closures.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution due to the hazardous conditions and to stay updated with local weather advisories as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
