Wakefield, VA – Residents across eastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina should prepare for a cold overnight period tonight, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for most locations, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, overnight lows will fall into the mid to upper 20s across much of inland eastern Virginia, including areas near Richmond, Petersburg, Farmville, Louisa, and Emporia. Along the coast and Tidewater region, temperatures are forecast to be slightly warmer, generally in the lower 30s, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Elizabeth City.
Forecasters say clear skies and diminishing winds overnight will allow temperatures to fall efficiently after sunset. While breezy conditions were present earlier in the day, winds are expected to weaken overnight, increasing the likelihood of widespread freezing temperatures.
The cold snap could pose a risk to sensitive outdoor plants, exposed pipes, and pets. Residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors, cover tender vegetation, and take precautions to prevent frozen pipes, especially in rural and inland areas.
Motorists traveling late tonight or early Saturday morning should also remain alert for patchy frost or icy spots, particularly on bridges and elevated roadways where temperatures cool faster.
Temperatures are expected to rebound gradually during the day Saturday, but officials note that another cold night may follow, depending on cloud cover and wind conditions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and take cold-weather precautions as winterlike conditions continue across the region.
