Newport News, Virginia — Light snowfall is expected to impact much of southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina Wednesday evening into early Thursday, prompting Winter Weather Advisories across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, snow is forecast to develop after 6 p.m. Wednesday, with total accumulations around one inch across most locations. Localized amounts up to two inches are possible in parts of the Virginia Peninsula, including Hampton, Poquoson, and Newport News. Advisories for Virginia locations remain in effect until 4 a.m. EST Thursday, while counties in northeast North Carolina are under advisories through 7 a.m. Thursday.
Impacted areas include Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and inland communities such as Southampton, Isle of Wight, Greensville, and portions of the Albemarle Sound region in North Carolina, including Bertie, Gates, Hertford, and Northampton counties.
Travel impacts are expected to be most significant overnight, as snow accumulates on untreated roads. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways are especially vulnerable. Major travel corridors that could see slick conditions include Interstate 64, Interstate 264, Interstate 564, U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 58, and U.S. Route 158.
The National Weather Service cautions that even small snow amounts can significantly affect travel in coastal and Tidewater areas, where road treatment resources and ground temperatures vary. Visibility reductions may be brief, but slick spots could develop quickly.
Commuters, students, and overnight workers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution, particularly during the early Thursday morning commute.
Road conditions can be checked by calling 511 in Virginia or visiting DriveNC.gov in North Carolina. Residents should continue monitoring updates at weather.gov/akq for any changes overnight.
