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Snow, sleet and freezing temperatures expected to bring hazardous travel conditions

HAMPTON ROADS — Winter weather is expected to impact Hampton Roads beginning this evening, creating hazardous travel conditions across the region and throughout the rest of the state. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District has completed storm preparations and has crews, equipment and materials staged across the region and ready to respond. Motorists should avoid all nonessential travel once winter weather begins.

Snow is expected to develop this evening across Hampton Roads, which will result in reduced visibility and slick, hazardous driving conditions. Overnight and into Sunday morning, snow is forecast to transition to sleet and freezing rain across the region. This change in precipitation type, combined with freezing temperatures, is expected to result in increasingly icy road conditions, making travel more dangerous.

While all of Hampton Roads is expected to be impacted, current forecasts indicate the western and northern portions of the region, including areas toward the I-95 corridor and the Williamsburg area, may experience the most significant icing during this storm. With wet pavement across the region and temperatures remaining below freezing, roadways throughout Hampton Roads remain subject to freezing, including areas that may receive less wintry precipitation.

VDOT crews began pretreating state-maintained roadways earlier this week using a saltwater brine solution to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Pretreatment focused on interstates and major state-maintained primary routes on the Peninsula and Southside, as well as county primary routes and select major secondary routes in the western portion of the region, the Historic Triangle and the Eastern Shore. Additional resources have been brought in from outside the region to provide further storm response support.

As snowfall accumulation begins to reach approximately 2 inches, crews will begin plowing operations, prioritizing interstates and other high-volume routes, followed by county primary roads and select major secondary routes, with the largest snowfall anticipated on the Eastern Shore. As the storm transitions to sleet and freezing rain, crews will continue treating roadways with salt and abrasives to assist with melting and improve traction. Additional crews are also on standby to address downed trees or debris in the roadway resulting from forecasted significant icing and gusty winds.

Hazardous travel conditions are expected to continue during and after the storm as temperatures remain below freezing and wet roadways refreeze, extending impacts potentially into early next week. Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous tonight and into tomorrow. The safest place to be during this winter storm is inside and off the roadways. Any remaining moisture on the roadways during these sustained freezing temperatures could refreeze and cause icy conditions, with any wet spots on the roadway to be considered ice.

Due to forecasted high winds, snow and significant icing, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may experience intermittent service suspension during the storm.

This winter storm is expected to impact much of Virginia. Motorists should check road conditions along their entire route before traveling, including areas outside Hampton Roads.

If travel is unavoidable, motorists should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a greater following distance to ensure safety. Motorists should use extra caution in locations where pavements freeze first, including overpasses, bridges, ramps, and shaded areas.

VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads within Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own roadways, including their own primary and secondary roads.

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*** A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 1 AM Saturday to 4 PM Sunday for all of SE VA and NE NC.

7:00 p.m. — Derrah Getter gives an update on this weekend's forecast. Blizzard conditions are anticipated but it doesn't mean what most people think. A blizzard doesn't have anything to do with the amount of snow accumulation. It is defined as 3 consecutive hours or more of 1/4 visibility or less due to blowing and/or falling snow with winds 35+ mph. Technically there can be a blizzard with no snow falling to the ground.

5:15 p.m. — Chesapeake Neighborhood Reporter Erin Holly visited a hardware store in Chesapeake to check how neighbors are preparing for another winter storm set to hit Hampton Roads this weekend, just a week after the last winter weather event.

At Taylor's Do It Center on South Battlefield Boulevard, customers like Scott Duffy found traditional ice melt sold out at many local stores, leading shoppers to settle for pool salt as an alternative that works slower but gets the job done. Duffy, an Uber driver with all-wheel drive, says he actually benefits from winter weather as rates increase due to supply and demand when fewer drivers are on the road.

Store manager Sherri Wheatley said an emergency shipment will arrive Friday after 1 p.m., and will include propane tanks, propane heaters and snow shovels for customers preparing for the weekend storm. Other shoppers like Hedley Austin and his dog Penny are simply planning to enjoy the snow in their backyard, with Penny excited to jump and run around in the winter weather.

Watch story: Chesapeake neighbors settle for pool salt ahead of another weekend winter storm

5:00 p.m. — There is a high probability now that we receive some blowing and drifting snow with tidal flooding this weekend. The higher totals still favor the Tar Heel State of North Carolina.

And while the models continue to show a wide range of snow totals, consistency in the data is still lacking. Be prepared for more snow updates in the hours and days to come.

4:41 p.m. — Private snow removal companies in Hampton Roads are preparing for another winter storm by pretreating parking lots and getting equipment ready.

Affordable Cuts is deploying up to 70 plows to service dozens of shopping centers and businesses from Richmond to Hampton and Williamsburg. The biggest challenge crews face is dealing with traffic during and after snowfall when trying to keep neighborhood businesses accessible. The company is asking residents to stay off roads during the storm so crews can safely clear parking lots and VDOT can handle the streets.

Watch story: Private plows ready for weekend snow storm

3:33 p.m. — Chief Meteorologist David Aldrich is dropping his expected snow totals for the area this weekend. The system — which is still forming — appears to be trending south, with more snow expected in the Outer Banks and the Albemarle, and less for metro Hampton Roads.

The Peninsula areas that got battered last weekend are likely to get trace amounts and be most unscathed.

Currently, we're confident there will be 2-4 inches on the southside, trace amounts further north, and possibly 4-8 inches in the Outer Banks and northeast North Carolina.

12:45 p.m. — Forecaster Derrah Getter breaks down snowfall probabilities.

This weekend we’re tracking widespread snow showers. As for specifics, it is too soon to say for certain exactly how much, but there’s a decent chance we’re going to see at least three inches. Snow showers start Saturday morning and last through Sunday morning. Gusty winds could lead to reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

In addition to the snow, there will be tidal flooding with the approaching full moon cycle.

12:33 p.m. — In addition to the winter weather we're expecting, we are also going to see high winds and tidal/coastal flooding. Watch out for flooding near times of high tide this weekend and ocean overwash on the Outer Banks.

Wind gusts could be in the 30-40mph range, depending on where you live.

9:35 a.m. — With a Winter Storm Watch in effect as of Thursday morning, we're breaking down the difference between a Watch, an Advisory, and a Warning (the most severe of the three).

According to NWS, the Watch means conditions are favorable for a storm event that could be a threat to people or property. These can indicate 3-6 inches of snow within a 12-hour period, seven inches within a 24-hour period. Watches also are issued when ice may damage power lines and trees.

A Winter Weather Advisory is typically issued for freezing rain, but with less potential accumulation. This is not quite as serious as a Winter Storm Warning.

A Winter Storm Warning is the highest cause for concern. Warnings indicate a significant heavy snow hazard within 12-36 hours is highly likely. This also includes the potential for tree and power line damage and a life-threatening combo of snow or ice with wind.

5:00 a.m. — Meteorologist Myles Henderson explains different impacts of this weekend storm's "inside track," "coastal track" and "outside track."

The track of the low will determine how much snow we see (closer to the coast, more snow, away from the coast, less snow). As of now, the "inside track" is looking unlikely. The "coastal track" would bring us 6" to 12" of snow. The "outside track" would bring us 1" to 6" of snow.

The 13News Now Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert as a strong low pressure system is expected to develop and rapidly intensify off the southeast coast.

NORFOLK, Va. — The 13News Now Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Saturday and Sunday, January 31 through February 1, due to a developing coastal storm system.

A dangerous stretch of winter weather is setting up for Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina this weekend, with high confidence that a significant winter storm will impact the region Saturday into Sunday.

Conditions deteriorate quickly on Saturday as snow develops and spreads across the region. Temperatures will remain locked below freezing, with a forecast high in the mid 20s, allowing snow to accumulate efficiently.

By Saturday evening, the storm is expected to be near peak intensity with snow tapering off early Sunday morning.

As the coastal low strengthens offshore, strong winds will create blowing and drifting snow, potentially producing near blizzard or blizzard conditions, especially near the coast where winds will be strongest. Along the immediate coastline, wind gusts over 50 mph are possible, raising concerns for power outages and whiteout travel at times.

Winter Storm Watches are now in effect through the weekend.

Snowfall totals will not be uniform. Forecast confidence continues to increase that the highest snowfall totals will be across the Southside and northeastern North Carolina, with a sharp gradient likely along the Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck, and Eastern Shore. That means some communities could see significantly more snow than others over a relatively short distance.

Our thinking right now, which will likely be adjusted as we get the latest model runs:• 2-4" across much of the Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, & Eastern Shore.• 4-8" across much of Southside.• 8-12" in northeastern North Carolina.

In addition to snow impacts, coastal flooding is expected Saturday night into Sunday due to high tides and strong onshore wind. Moderate to locally major tidal flooding is possible, particularly around the lower Chesapeake Bay, with beach and dune erosion likely Sunday.

Adding to the danger, bitterly cold air will remain in place into early next week, keeping roads icy and refreezing likely. The coldest conditions arrive Saturday night into Sunday morning, and an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the entire region. Residents should finalize preparations now, avoid unnecessary travel this weekend, and closely monitor updates as details are refined.

Motorists should proceed with caution as freezing temperatures persist.

HAMPTON, Va. — Cleanup efforts were underway across Hampton on Sunday after up to an inch of snow and ice accumulated overnight, leaving some areas slick but largely passable by morning.

City officials said Public Works crews worked 12-hour shifts through the night and into Sunday, focusing primarily on clearing major roads.

“Our Public Works crews have been working 12-hour shifts, mainly focusing on the roads,” said Mike Holtzclaw, a spokesperson for the city of Hampton.

Residents reported that road conditions improved quickly early Sunday, before another round of freezing rain moved in Sunday evening.

“The weather’s been a little up and down,” Bobbie Jones Kimble said. “Definitely expected a little more snow, but I’m definitely glad the roads are clear.”

Chris Melvin said roads appeared safe for drivers who remain cautious.

“The roads are definitely safe as long as people pay attention, stay off their phones so they don’t crash into anybody,” Melvin said. “The roads aren’t slippery.”

While road conditions in Hampton improved, areas farther north along Interstate 64, including Williamsburg, still experienced slushy and icy conditions early Sunday. Officials noted that the farther south drivers traveled along the Peninsula, the less snow and ice were visible.

Holtzclaw said most Hampton roads were safe, with only minor slush remaining in some spots.

“There’s some slush here and there that they’re working to clean up, but mostly the roads look good,” he said.

City officials said Hampton offices and facilities will open at 10 a.m. Monday as a precaution in case additional ice forms overnight.

Hampton University announced that its campus will remain closed Monday, with classes held virtually to ensure student safety.

Meanwhile, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools said all schools and offices will be closed Monday.