Wakefield, Virginia – A significant winter storm is increasingly likely to impact Virginia and surrounding areas this weekend, with snow and ice posing the risk of major travel disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, there is a 40% to 60% probability of heavy snow leading to major impacts across portions of the region. These impacts could last several days, extending from the weekend into early next week.
Forecast outlooks also show a 30% to 40% chance of significant ice accumulation across parts of central and southeastern Virginia, as well as northeastern North Carolina. Ice could result in downed trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions, particularly if freezing rain mixes with snow.
The National Weather Service notes that impacts may begin as early as Saturday and could continue into early Monday, though uncertainty remains regarding exact snowfall totals and the extent of wintry mix.
Minor ice impacts could lead to slick roads and travel delays, while areas experiencing moderate ice impacts may see dangerous driving conditions, infrastructure disruptions, and possible road closures.
Residents with weekend travel plans are urged to monitor the evolving forecast closely and prepare for the possibility of prolonged winter weather impacts. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel if conditions deteriorate.
The National Weather Service emphasized that confidence in increasing impacts is rising, even as specific details continue to come into focus.
