AUGUSTA COUNTY — “A powerful storm will spread snow and ice along a 1,500-mile zone from much of the Plains and Mississippi Valley to many areas of the Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic Coast this weekend through early next week,” AccuWeather meteorologists report warn.

The storm is expected to cause travel problems for many traveling home after the holidays and for children returning to school on Monday.

The region is also expected to experience bitterly cold air as arctic air moves into the central and eastern states.

“AccuWeather meteorologists warn that any outbreak of Arctic air has the potential to bring colder air farther south than the previous round, and that this will result in a significant increase in energy demand and the risk of freeze damage in southern states.”

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First winter storm for Augusta County

According to AccuWeather, this is expected to be the first widespread winter storm of the season and will also be Augusta County’s first devastating winter storm of the season.

“We definitely expect a winter storm to hit the area, perhaps starting as early as Sunday evening and lasting through Monday,” AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said.