Winter Storm warning: Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina Brace for Snow, High Winds, and Frigid Temperatures
A powerful winter storm is set to impact Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina this weekend, bringing heavy winds, dangerously cold temperatures, and accumulating snow. While initial forecasts predicted higher snowfall totals, the National Weather Service has adjusted projections downward for much of the region.
A winter storm warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. Sunday for Norfolk,Portsmouth,Chesapeake,Virginia Beach,Suffolk,Newport News,Hampton,and York County,extending into portions of northeastern North Carolina and areas west of Hampton Roads. Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages.
As of Saturday afternoon, snowfall estimates for most of Hampton Roads have been revised to between 2 and 6 inches, with some areas perhaps receiving up to six inches over less than 50 miles.
According to a National Weather Service meteorologist, the shift in snowfall projections is due to moisture encountering drier air as it moves northward. “We shoudl see some of that moving up, especially into southside Hampton Roads, as we get through the afternoon and evening hours here,” the meteorologist stated. Snow is expected to begin accumulating Saturday afternoon, intensifying throughout the day and peaking early Sunday morning before tapering off later Sunday.
Brief whiteout conditions are possible in areas near southeastern Virginia and northeastern north Carolina late Saturday into Sunday. Despite the reduced snowfall forecasts, the extremely cold air mass will result in a light, powdery snow – a positive factor for power lines and trees. Though, winds are expected to be a meaningful concern.
Dominion Energy is preparing for “thousands of potential outages” across Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks, according to a company spokesperson. In addition to the winter storm warning, the region is under a high wind warning from 7 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday, a cold weather advisory through 1 a.m. Sunday, an extreme cold watch from 1-10 a.m. Sunday, and a coastal flood watch from 4 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The National Weather Service currently gives norfolk a 56% chance of receiving at least 4 inches of snow – a substantial decrease from earlier in the week. The Peninsula and Eastern Shore have a 30-60% probability of similar accumulations, while Elizabeth City, North Carolina, has an 83% chance of seeing at least 4 inches. The likelihood of 8 inches or more of snow across most of Hampton Roads is now low, with Norfolk having a 21% chance and parts of Virginia Beach slightly higher.
Ice has already formed on the shore of the North Landing River near the Pungo ferry Road bridge in Virginia Beach, signaling the hazardous conditions already developing.”Definitely prepare for strong wind gusts, especially right along the immediate coast,” a forecaster cautioned Thursday. Maximum wind gusts could reach 58-60 mph in Corolla early Sunday morning, with similar gusts expected in Virginia Beach and Cape Charles.Inland areas will experience winds in the mid-40 mph range, dropping to the mid-30s in Williamsburg.
The combination of wind and cold temperatures will create dangerously low wind chills. Williamsburg could see a wind chill of minus-2 degrees, while Hampton and Newport News may experience 2 below zero. Norfolk and Portsmouth are projected to have a low of 0 degrees,with other areas of South Hampton Roads likely to be in the single digits.
The frigid temperatures mean any snow accumulation will likely linger for an extended period,and existing ice from last weekend’s storm will be prolonged. Tidal flooding is also a concern Saturday night into Sunday, with moderate to major flooding possible in vulnerable coastal areas, potentially freezing on road surfaces due to the cold.
The Virginia Department of Transportation began pretreating roadways on Thursday. The jamestown-Scotland Ferry may suspend service during the storm due to strong winds, snow, and potential tidal impacts. Crews in Virginia Beach have been actively preparing roads with brine and ensuring snow plows are ready for deployment.
Residents are strongly advised to stay informed, exercise caution, and prepare for a challenging weekend as the region braces for the arrival of this powerful winter storm.
