3-5 inches of snow now expected for Shore; dangerous cold Saturday and next week

Forecasters with the National Weather Service Wakefield now are saying a lower snowfall total but bitter cold on either side of the weekend winter storm is expected beginning tonight.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for both counties from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon, as confidence increases in widespread wintry precipitation that could result in hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 p.m. tonight through 10 a.m. Saturday due to dangerously low wind chill values.

According to the forecast, temperatures will drop sharply tonight as Arctic air moves into the Eastern Shore. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens, with wind chills ranging from five below zero to five above zero. North winds are expected to increase overnight, with gusts exceeding 25 mph.

On Saturday, clouds will increase across both counties, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid- to upper 20s. Wind chill values are expected to remain below zero at times.

Wintry precipitation is expected to begin Saturday night. In Accomack County, snow is forecast to develop Saturday evening and could be heavy at times, with three to five inches of accumulation possible overnight. Northampton County is expected to see snow Saturday evening, with snow possibly mixing with sleet overnight, also producing three to five inches of snow and sleet accumulation.

Conditions are expected to change on Sunday as warmer air moves into the region. In Accomack County, snow is forecast to mix with rain before changing to all rain Sunday afternoon. In Northampton County, a mix of rain and snow is expected early Sunday before transitioning to rain by mid-morning. Breezy northeast winds are expected in both counties, with gusts approaching 30 mph.

Rain is expected to continue into Sunday night, with additional rainfall amounts between one-half and three-quarters of an inch possible. Precipitation may linger into Monday morning, possibly mixing with snow before ending. High temperatures Monday are expected to remain in the mid-30s.

Following the storm, much colder conditions are expected to persist into next week. Overnight lows are forecast to fall back into the teens, with daytime highs remaining near or below freezing through midweek.

The National Weather Service warns that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous during the storm. Ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs could lead to power outages in some areas. Governor Spanberger has issued a State of Emergency for the event. 

Residents are urged to limit travel during hazardous conditions, dress appropriately for cold temperatures, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors, and closely monitor updated forecasts as the storm approaches.