NWS update: upper Accomack to see more snow, ice still not expected to affect Shore

Forecasters are warning residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore to prepare for a potentially dangerous winter storm this weekend, as confidence continues to increase that a major system will bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, and prolonged cold to Accomack and Northampton counties.

According to the National Weather Service Wakefield VA, Winter Storm Briefing #5 issued Thursday afternoon reinforces concerns that the storm will impact the region from late Saturday through at least Monday, with moderate to major impacts increasingly likely. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the Eastern Shore from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

Forecasters say precipitation is expected to begin late Saturday afternoon or early Saturday evening, starting as snow before mixing with sleet and freezing rain Saturday night into Sunday. This latest forecast now calls for more snowfall in northern Accomack County, around 8 inches, with 7 falling on the middle Shore and 6 in lower Northampton. The Shore is still forecast to miss any significant icing.

The Weather Service notes that even where snow totals are lower, sleet and freezing rain could lead to extremely hazardous travel conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Temperatures in the 20s Saturday night and Sunday will allow wintry precipitation to accumulate on all surfaces.

Sunday is expected to be the most hazardous period, as freezing rain becomes more likely and may persist into early Monday. While the most extreme ice amounts are forecast west of the Chesapeake Bay, forecasters stress that ice impacts along the Eastern Shore remain a serious concern, especially given strong winds and bitter cold behind the storm. Widespread power outages are possible, and some outages could last multiple days.

Ahead of the storm, a Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect from 8 p.m. Friday night through 10 a.m. Saturday morning. A strong Arctic cold front moving through the region Friday night will bring increasing northerly winds and sharply colder air. Wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits overnight, creating dangerous conditions for anyone without adequate shelter.

Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate rapidly. A Gale Warning has been issued for coastal waters south of Cape Charles Light Friday night into Saturday morning. Northerly winds of 20 to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots are expected, along with building seas and waves. Additional periods of strong northeast winds are likely Sunday into early next week, with freezing spray becoming a growing concern.

Looking beyond the storm, forecasters say bitterly cold air will settle over the region for an extended period. High temperatures may struggle to rise above freezing for several days, with overnight lows well below freezing through at least the middle of next week. Any snow or ice on the ground is likely to persist, prolonging impacts well into the work week.

The Weather Service strongly urges residents of Accomack and Northampton counties to make preparations now, including planning for possible power outages, limiting travel during the storm, and closely monitoring updated forecasts. Officials emphasize that the exact mix and timing of precipitation may change, but confidence continues to grow that this will be a high-impact winter weather event for the Eastern Shore.