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…