Accomac, Va. — Violent northwest winds tear across Virginia’s Eastern Shore Saturday, hammering U.S. 13 from the Maryland line south through Accomac, Exmore and Cape Charles, with the most dangerous travel window running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gusts peak near 60 mph, strong enough to shove vehicles sideways on open stretches and exposed bridge approaches.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield said a High Wind Warning blankets Accomack and Northampton counties during the day Saturday, while an Extreme Cold Warning follows close behind from 6 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. Wind chills drop as low as 8 below zero, sharply increasing the risk for drivers stranded by crashes or power outages.
Virginia Department of Transportation officials warned that high-profile vehicles face severe difficulty along U.S. 13, Route 175 and Route 184, particularly across causeways and marshland corridors where there is little wind protection. Falling tree limbs, blowing debris and sudden crosswinds reduce visibility and reaction time, while cold air rapidly drains vehicle batteries and engine performance.
The strongest impacts concentrate in Accomac, Onancock, Exmore, Chincoteague, Cape Charles and Nassawadox, with added concern near the Chincoteague Causeway, the Route 175 junction west of Wallops Island, and long open stretches south of Exmore. Widespread power outages are likely as winds topple trees and lines, leaving homes and businesses exposed to dangerous cold.
Officials urged residents to secure loose objects, avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors during peak winds. The wind threat eases late Saturday night, but extreme cold persists into Sunday morning before gradual improvement begins as winds finally relax.
