SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Road crews and residents across the commonwealth are preparing for a few systems of wintry weather headed this way.
A wave of freezing rain and sleet to snow is expected to impact portions of Virginia Thursday evening and Friday. Then, the second wave of frozen precipitation is forecast for Saturday with significant icing and snow accumulation that could occur in some areas.
Here’s the latest on advisories, road preparations, and an updated forecast.
Latest Super Doppler 10 Forecast
By tonight, temperatures are expected to gradually drop. Meteorologist Casey Lehecka says the models are finally coming together, and show the Eastern Shore getting between 2″-3″ of snow, Williamsburg around 1″-2″ and Newport News looks like it will mainly be rain.
This is expected to happen around 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. By 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., the rain-snow line could drop as far south as Newport News.
Below that is expected to see more of a wintry mix forming.
Check out the latest weather blogs from the team of Super Doppler 10 meteorologists.
Latest Advisories & NWS Updates
National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield is expecting significant winter weather across the region beginning as early as Thursday night and leading into the coming days.
The first system runs Thursday evening through Friday morning and will be mainly a snow threat with 2-4″ of snow possible across the northern half of the area.
The second system runs Friday night through Saturday and is expected to bring the potential for significant icing.
VDOT & Crew Preparations
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began preparing earlier today across the Peninsula and areas west of that. That set of preparations are complete and VDOT officials say additional crews not expected to mobilize again until after 7 p.m. Thursday.
Crews also say they are prepared for a range of weather conditions from freezing rain and sleet to snow. Tree crews and heavy equipment are on standby to assist as needed with downed trees, branches, and other debris.
William Collier, the maintenance manager for the Hampton Roads district of VDOT, said the most concerning part of the storm for him is the potential for icing.
“Much more difficult to handle than inches of snow,” Collier said. “Half an inch of ice is far worse. We are also looking up to two inches of snow up on the Wastern Shore. So a wide range of different issues we have to deal with starting tonight. But we’ll be prepared.”
(Courtesy: VDOT)
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is also preparing for the winter weather and will have all available troopers on patrol in order to respond as quickly as possible to traffic crashes, emergencies, and disabled motorists.
Police are urging motorists to avoid traveling if possible. During the last round of wintry weather, VSP say they responded to 362 traffic crashes and 321 disabled vehicles in less than 24-hours.
Winter weather driving tips:
- Do not travel if conditions are icy.
- Give crews time and room to treat roads.
- If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
- Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
- Do not pass snow plows
- Visit 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.
