Wakefield, Virginia – Southeastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina are bracing for a significant winter storm this weekend after forecasters upgraded portions of the region to a Winter Storm Warning due to increasing confidence in heavy snowfall and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, snow is expected to develop late tonight and continue through Sunday, with peak impacts occurring late Saturday into Sunday morning. The highest confidence for significant snowfall is across the southeastern portions of Virginia and northeast North Carolina, where totals are expected to be greatest.
Forecasters warn that strong, potentially damaging winds will accompany the storm, especially closer to the coast. These winds could lead to blowing and drifting snow, sharply reduced visibility, and the potential for tree and powerline damage, raising the risk of scattered power outages.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly as snowfall intensifies. Major travel corridors including Interstate 64, Interstate 95, Interstate 264, U.S. Highway 17, and U.S. Highway 58 may become hazardous, with snow-covered roads and near-whiteout conditions possible during the height of the storm. Travel may become dangerous or impossible at times, particularly late Saturday night.
The National Weather Service notes that while some inland areas remain under a watch due to lingering uncertainty in snowfall placement, confidence continues to increase that the southeastern portion of the region will experience the most severe impacts.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare emergency kits, and ensure mobile devices are fully charged. Those in coastal and near-coastal communities should prepare for the combined effects of wind and snow.
Students, weekend travelers, and essential workers across southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina should closely monitor forecast updates, as small shifts in storm track could affect snowfall amounts and impact locations.
Forecasters stress that winter storm conditions may persist into Sunday before gradually improving later in the day.
