A gray, chilly rain blankets Virginia and northeast North Carolina this morning, bringing slick commutes and a sharp reminder that December has arrived. The day began with a brief mix of freezing rain in far western counties, but forecasters say most areas have now transitioned to steady, cold rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, showers will continue through the morning commute before tapering west to east by early afternoon. Rainfall totals will range from 0.5 to 1 inch west of I-95, increasing to 1–1.5 inches toward the coast and the Virginia–North Carolina border. Pockets of heavier rain are expected across southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, where isolated downpours could briefly reduce visibility.
“Be sure to grab your rain jacket and umbrella,” meteorologists advised. “Conditions will improve by late day, but temperatures will drop quickly behind the front.”
By midafternoon, the back edge of rainfall will push east of Richmond, reaching the coast by 2–3 p.m. As the storm exits, skies will begin to clear, setting the stage for a cold night. Lows will plunge into the lower 20s west of I-95 and hover in the upper 20s to low 30s near the coast. Any lingering puddles may freeze, creating slick spots early Wednesday.
Commuters are urged to drive carefully this morning — especially in southwestern and interior Virginia, where early freezing rain left icy patches on elevated surfaces.
The good news: clearer skies and calmer winds arrive by tonight, though the cold will stick around. Expect a brisk but dry Wednesday as high pressure settles in, with sunshine and highs in the 40s.
How are roads in your area this morning? Share your photos or updates as this cold rain system slides out and Virginia braces for a frosty night ahead.
