Winter Arrives in Lynchburg

The pace of life in Lynchburg slows down in the winter.

Outdoor activities are fewer as many families move indoors for the winter.

Gone are the busy days of December, filled with shopping, baking, parties and all sorts of holiday activities.

High school football and fall baseball are over for the season, replaced by basketball, wrestling and theater.

The local hiking and biking trails have emptied of all but the most diehard runners and cyclists.

The baked treats of the holidays mean the local fitness centers and gyms are filled with people of all ages, hoping to get in shape before summer arrives.

The trees have lost their leaves and the cold winds of winter are blowing.

Winter looms ahead with its short days and long, cold nights.

Unlike some colder climates, winter isn't filled with ice and snow in Lynchburg.

Although there will be some snow, sleet and ice before winter ends, most winter weather events don't last for too long.

Area schools may be delayed for an hour or two and there may even be a few snow days.

On some snowy days, the roads are warm enough that snow sticks only to the ground and trees, leaving the sidewalks and roads clear.

Families enjoy board games and Friday night pizza during winter around here.

Couples enjoy movies at home instead of busy evenings on the town.

Younger kids have moved indoors too, spending fun-filled days at Kids Cove or Amazement Square instead of playing in the backyard.

Winter in Lynchburg is a welcome change from life in the fast lane. Winter reminds us that life in the slow lane is okay too.

But, winter won't be quite as we generally experience it in over the next few days in Lynchburg.

A weather event known as a polar vortex is heading to the East Coast.

Temperatures will drop from just above freezing on Sunday night down into the 20s during the day on Monday.

Overnight lows on Monday will be in the single digits. It won't get much warmer on Tuesday.

Tuesday's high temperature will be around 20 degrees with an overnight low in the single digits again.

The wind chill index is predicted to be at 25-35 degrees below zero for both days. Dangerously cold is how the coming weather is described in the news.

Stay indoors if you can. If you have to go out, dress in layers and bundle up. Exposed skin can freeze in minutes when it's this cold.

Bring in the pets, crank up the heat and check on your elderly neighbors.

The grocery stores have been packed with people all weekend. Hopefully you were there stocking up on everything you need.

Wait for another day for the walk on the trails or day at the park. Better safe than sorry.

Soon enough, warmer weather will return to Lynchburg.

Every year, January offers a few sunny days with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Plan ahead for those spring-like days and take advantage of them.

But for now, bundle up and get ready. Winter is on the way to Central Virginia. Are you ready?