Virginia Beach, Virginia – A high-impact winter storm is set to bring a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across eastern and central Virginia beginning Saturday afternoon, with the potential for widespread power outages and nearly impossible travel conditions through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday evening for much of southeast, east central, and central Virginia, including the Hampton Roads region. Snow and sleet will begin accumulating Saturday evening before transitioning to freezing rain on Sunday, especially away from the immediate coastline.
In the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News, snow and sleet totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected Saturday night. Inland locations could see a glaze of ice on Sunday before precipitation changes to rain near the coast. Gusty winds up to 35 mph may worsen travel and increase the risk of downed tree limbs.
Farther inland, including Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Powhatan, Goochland, and surrounding counties, conditions are expected to be far more severe. Snow and sleet accumulations of 4 to 9 inches are possible before a prolonged period of freezing rain develops Sunday into Sunday night. Ice accumulations up to three quarters of an inch could cause devastating impacts, including widespread power outages lasting several days.
Major roadways such as I-64, I-95, Route 58, and Route 460 are expected to become extremely hazardous. Officials urge residents to avoid travel, prepare for extended power outages, charge devices, and protect pipes and pets as bitter cold follows the storm.
Conditions may slowly improve late Monday, but lingering ice and damage could continue to impact travel and utilities into early next week. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect, and additional updates are expected as the storm evolves.
