The National Weather Service is predicting scattered showers and a couple inches of snow Thursday afternoon.
Current predictions show Hampton and Newport News getting the most accumulation on the Peninsula, about two to three inches of snow, and the Historic Triangle around one to two inches.
“It’s going to be a quick event,” said Jeff Orrock, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service in Wakefield. “The snow won’t hang around too long.”
Residents can expect scattered showers Thursday afternoon with a mix of snow starting as early as 4 p.m., and snow accumulation starting before 8 p.m. Temperatures will be around 34 degrees and start to drop after 5 p.m. to below freezing.
“The real snowfall probably is around 7 to 8 o’clock and it may last until 1 to 2 in the morning where we get heavier snow,” Orrock said.
By 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. the snow should be over, Orrock said, adding that slick roads on Friday could be problematic.
Come Friday morning, after the snow stops, temperatures will hit 28 degrees with wind gusts ranging from 25 to 35 mph and wind chill of 15 degrees.
The Weather Service is monitoring the radar for weather updates and because the storm system is moving up the coast heading straight out to sea, meteorologists are trying to determine the specific areas and the amount of snow accumulation.
“It could change,” Orrock said of the snow accumulation. “We’re still dialing it in.”
Now from VDOT — have a plan before you drive:
- 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) — Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
- Twitter — Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest weather/traffic updates during a storm.
- For more winter driving information, click here.
