Forecasters increase potential snowfall totals in Monday morning update

The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued an updated winter weather briefing Monday morning, warning residents of Accomack and Northampton Counties to expect accumulating snow, hazardous travel, and deteriorating marine conditions throughout the day and evening.

Forecasters say a widespread 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected across the Eastern Shore, with snowfall increasing in intensity during the afternoon and evening commute. While the highest totals in the region will remain west of the Shore, local roads are still expected to become snow-covered and slick, especially after sunset when temperatures fall quickly into the 20s. Coastal sections may see a brief rain–snow mix early on, but forecasters maintain high confidence that the Shore will experience accumulating snowfall later today. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Accomack and Northampton Counties.

Conditions are expected to worsen after 2 p.m. as heavier bands move east. Any remaining moisture will freeze overnight, creating hazardous travel early Tuesday morning even on treated roads, with lows dipping into the teens inland and the 20s along the coast.

Marine conditions will also deteriorate sharply. Gale Warnings are in effect for coastal waters south of Parramore Island and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where northwest winds may gust up to 40 knots and seas could reach 5 to 9 feet. Small Craft Advisories remain posted elsewhere. Winds are expected to ease briefly Tuesday before strengthening again Tuesday night into Wednesday.