Southeastern Virginia Braces for Nor'easter, Though Snow Predictions Diminish
Heavy winds and freezing temperatures are anticipated to hit parts of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina over the weekend due to a Nor'easter. However, weather experts have revised some of the previously predicted snow accumulations for the region.
Winter Storm Warning in Effect
A winter storm warning is currently in effect for several areas such as Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, and York County. This warning also applies to parts of northeastern North Carolina, and regions west of Hampton Roads.
As of Saturday afternoon, the forecasted snow totals have been decreased for most of Hampton Roads. Weather officials anticipate 3-4 inches of snowfall in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the majority of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Heaviest Snowfall Predicted for Northeastern North Carolina
Northeastern North Carolina is still predicted to bear the brunt of the snowfall in the region, with estimates of 7-9 inches or more.
Conversely, the Peninsula areas are expected to receive less snowfall. In the Williamsburg area, just an inch of snow is anticipated over the weekend. Newport News and Hampton are expected to see between 2-3 inches of snow.
Variation in Snowfall Totals Across the Region
Highest snowfall totals are forecasted for the far south and southeast, with a significant decrease in snow totals to the north. Snowfall totals could range from 1 inch to 6 inches within a distance of less than 50 miles.
Weather expert, Andrew Zimmerman, explained that moisture was meeting dry air as it tried to move north across the region on Saturday afternoon.
Zimmerman stated, "We should see some of that moving up, especially into southside Hampton Roads, as we get through the afternoon and evening hours here."
Snow Accumulation and Weather Warnings
Snow is expected to start accumulating in Hampton Roads on Saturday afternoon, increase throughout the day, and peak early Sunday morning, with snowfall ending later Sunday morning.
Areas near southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina may experience temporary whiteout conditions late Saturday into Sunday.
"This one has so much cold air to work with in the entire column of the atmosphere that we're looking at a very dry snow, very powdery, which is good for power lines and trees," said weather expert Roman Miller. "Winds will potentially be an issue."
One major energy provider announced its preparations for potential power outages in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks.
Besides the winter storm warning, the region is also under several other weather advisories, including a high wind warning, a cold weather advisory, an extreme cold watch, and a coastal flood watch.
Reduced Snowfall Chances
Weather officials have given Norfolk a 56% chance of receiving at least 4 inches of snow, a significant decrease from earlier in the week. The probability of snow ranges from 30-60% for the Peninsula and Eastern Shore. The chances of snowfall increase further south into northeastern North Carolina, with Elizabeth City having an 83% chance of seeing at least 4 inches of snow.
The probability of 8 inches or more of snowfall in most of Hampton Roads has dropped to low. Norfolk has a 21% chance of 8 inches, while parts of Virginia Beach have a slightly higher chance. The Peninsula is unlikely to see that much snow.
Prepare for Strong Winds
Zimmerman advised, "Definitely prepare for strong wind gusts, especially right along the immediate coast."
Maximum wind gusts could reach 58-60 mph in Corolla early Sunday morning. Gusts in Virginia Beach and Cape Charles are also expected to near 60 mph. Further inland, winds will be in the mid-40 mph range, dropping to the mid-30 mph range in the Williamsburg area.
Wind chills could drop to below zero in parts of the region. The wind chill in Williamsburg could hit minus-2 degrees, while Hampton and Newport News could see 2 below. Norfolk and Portsmouth’s lowest wind chill projection is 0 while other areas of South Hampton Roads are likely to be in single digits.
Zimmerman added that due to the cold temperatures, the snow is likely to stay "for a while," prolonging the impact of ice from the previous weekend in some areas.
Tidal Flooding and Road Preparations
Tidal flooding could also pose a problem from Saturday night into Sunday. Moderate to major local tidal flooding is possible in vulnerable coastal areas, as well as beach and dune erosion. The cold temperatures could cause any tidal flooding to freeze on road surfaces.
The state's transportation department began pre-treating state-maintained roadways on Thursday. Due to the predicted strong winds, snow, and potential tidal impacts, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may suspend service at points during the storm.