Winter Storm Warning Issued for Hampton Roads, Northeastern NC
A winter storm warning has been issued for the Hampton Roads region and parts of northeastern North Carolina, active from Saturday morning through Sunday evening. The storm is projected to bring significant winds, cold temperatures, and varying snow accumulations, with initial snowfall forecasts for Hampton Roads adjusted downward.
The storm is projected to bring significant winds, cold temperatures, and varying snow accumulations, with initial snowfall forecasts for Hampton Roads adjusted downward.
Warnings and Affected Areas
A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday for areas including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, York County, parts of northeastern North Carolina, and areas west of Hampton Roads.
Additionally, the region is under several other advisories:
- A high wind warning from 7 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- A cold weather advisory until 1 a.m. Sunday.
- An extreme cold watch from 1-10 a.m. Sunday.
- A coastal flood watch from 4 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
Snowfall Projections
Snow is expected to begin accumulating in Hampton Roads on Saturday afternoon, intensify throughout the day, peak early Sunday morning, and conclude later Sunday morning. The snow is anticipated to be dry and powdery due to cold air.
Initial predictions indicated 7-12 inches of snow for the Hampton Roads region, with higher localized amounts possible. However, revised forecasts project varied accumulations across different areas:
- Northeastern North Carolina: Expected to experience the heaviest snowfall, with 7-9 inches or more.
- Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, most of Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach: Likely to receive 3-4 inches of snow, with higher amounts possible.
- Peninsula areas: Projected to receive less snow. Newport News and Hampton may see 2-3 inches, while the Williamsburg area could receive 1 inch.
Blizzard conditions were initially deemed likely Saturday night and early Sunday for coastal areas from the northern Outer Banks, through Virginia Beach and Norfolk, up to the Eastern Shore. Whiteout conditions are possible Saturday night and early Sunday morning in specific coastal areas, including southeastern Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and northeastern North Carolina.
Wind Conditions
Maximum wind gusts are projected to reach 58-60 mph in Corolla, Virginia Beach, and Cape Charles early Sunday morning. Inland areas may experience gusts in the mid-40 mph range, decreasing to the mid-30 mph range in the Williamsburg area.
Temperatures and Wind Chill
Wind chills are expected to drop to around zero degrees in much of Hampton Roads. Specific wind chill forecasts include:
- Williamsburg: Minus-2 degrees.
- Hampton and Newport News: 2 degrees below zero.
- Norfolk and Portsmouth: 0 degrees.
- Other South Hampton Roads areas: Likely in the single digits.
- Further west (Richmond, Emporia) and south (Elizabeth City): Negative wind chill values are possible.
The sustained cold temperatures are expected to prolong the presence of snow and any existing ice.
Coastal Impacts
Tidal flooding is a concern from Saturday night into Sunday. Moderate to major local tidal flooding is possible in vulnerable coastal areas, along with potential beach and dune erosion. Any tidal flooding could freeze on road surfaces due to the cold temperatures.
Preparations and Other Impacts
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued a state of emergency on Thursday in preparation for the weather event. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) commenced pretreating state-maintained roadways on Thursday. Dominion Energy has stated preparations for potential power outages in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service may experience periodic suspensions during the storm due to strong winds, snow, and potential tidal impacts.