NWS now predicts small band of ice from Painter to Cheriton from Winter Storm Fern

After nearly a week of forecasts indicating that ice would largely spare the Eastern Shore, the National Weather Service Wakefield now says light ice accumulation is possible in portions of Northampton County, according to its latest winter storm briefing issued Friday afternoon.

In the 3 p.m. update, forecasters indicated that approximately one-tenth of an inch of ice is now possible in parts of Northampton County, particularly from Eastville northward to Exmore, as the region transitions from snow to mixed precipitation late Saturday night into Sunday. Earlier briefings had consistently kept damaging ice west of the Chesapeake Bay, with the Eastern Shore expected to change over to rain.

While the updated forecast still shows the most significant and dangerous icing remaining inland, the new projections reflect a slightly longer overlap between cold surface temperatures and moisture over the southern portion of the Eastern Shore. Even minor ice accretion, forecasters note, can create slick road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses.

The broader winter storm is expected to begin around midnight Saturday evening on the Eastern Shore, initially as snow before mixing with sleet and rain overnight. By 7:00 AM Sunday morning, precipitation across Accomack and much of Northampton counties is expected to transition to rain as temperatures rise into the 40s. Snow accumulations for northern Accomack County are predicted 4-5 inches, with lower Accomack County and northern Northampton 3-4 and lower Northampton 2-3. Rain is expected to end early Monday morning.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for much of the region, including Accomack and Northampton counties, through Monday afternoon. Strong northeast winds are also expected, and a Gale Warning has been issued for the coastal waters north of Cape Charles on Sunday, with seas forecast to build to 6 to 9 feet.

Forecasters emphasized that while ice impacts on the Eastern Shore are expected to be limited compared to central and western Virginia, travel conditions could still deteriorate rapidly late Saturday night, and the extended period of cold air following the storm may prolong impacts into next week.

Residents are urged to continue monitoring updated forecasts, as small changes in temperature or storm track could affect precipitation type and amounts, particularly in Northampton County.