Greater Williamsburg should expect between 4 and 8 inches of snow, winds as fast as 40 miles per hour, and low visibility between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Rusnak.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday.
There is a potential for a “ground blizzard” throughout Greater Williamsburg, according to Rusnak.
According to the National Weather Service, a ground blizzard means blizzard-like conditions which last at least three hours and are caused by snow already on the ground and windy conditions. Blowing and drifting snow can cause reduced visibility.
Snow will start falling in Williamsburg after 5 p.m. and get heavier into the evening, Rusnak said. Coupled with the falling snow, temperatures across the region are expected to plunge after the storm.
“This cold snap is going to be worse than the one we’re in now,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Orrock said.
Thursday night through Saturday morning the Williamsburg area could see low temperatures in the low single digits, according to Orrock.
Windchill factors could push the temperatures even lower for people who are outside, making the air feel as cold as negative temperatures, Orrock said.
“It’s just a brutal cold, and it’s not gonna let go.”
The total expected snowfall could be as high as 8 inches, Rusnak said.
From Southeast Hampton Roads to the Outer Banks is under a blizzard warning by the National Weather Service.
Across Hampton Roads, winds are expected to gust as high as 40 miles per hour, according to Rusnak.
“It’s just a brutal cold, and it’s not gonna let go,” Orrock said.
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