Norfolk, Virginia – Drivers across eastern and southeast Virginia could face hazardous travel conditions starting Saturday afternoon as a developing winter storm brings the risk of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to areas unaccustomed to prolonged winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon for Hampton Roads, the Virginia Peninsula, the Eastern Shore, and portions of northeast North Carolina. Confidence is increasing in widespread mixed precipitation, with snow and sleet potentially transitioning to freezing rain at times. The combination could lead to moderate to major disruptions across the region.
Communities including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Northampton County are all included. Bridges and overpasses along Interstates 64, 264, and 664 could become slick quickly, especially overnight. Ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may result in scattered power outages, particularly where freezing rain persists.
Residents are urged to complete preparations early, limit non-essential travel once precipitation begins, and ensure devices are charged in case of outages. Conditions may remain hazardous into Monday afternoon, and additional advisories or warnings are possible as the system approaches.
