The following comes from Jeff
Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge at the NWS in Wakefield:
“A strong storm system will approach the
region Wednesday and cross the area Thursday. This will result in gusty winds
and scattered snow showers. While current forecasts call for no little to no
accumulation, due to the strength of the system and forecast uncertainty
snow accumulations are possible. There is the potential that an inch or more of snow could accumulate over
portions of the Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. Confidence in any possible
snow accumulation is low, but we want folks to be aware. Scattered snow showers
are expected late Thursday into Thursday evening, the question is how long will
snow last in any one location and how much accumulation could result.
Windy conditions are expected everywhere with
gusts of 30 to 40 mph close to the Bay and coast. Some gusts to 45 mph are
possible along the immediate coast. Winds increase Thursday morning, but the
highest winds are expected late Thursday into Thursday night.”
Norfolk should
not be directly impacted by this event; however, the hourly graph is attached for
your review reflecting midnight Wednesday through Friday at midnight. As you’ll see, rainfall is likely throughout
the morning hours Thursday and then 30% chance of a light snowfall in the afternoon.
Likelihood is minimal accumulation; reasonable worst case is still under 1”. In fact, Norfolk has a 42% chance of
experiencing 0.1”. While sustained winds
and gusts pick up to around 20mph and 32mph respectively Thursday morning, temperatures
drop dramatically in the evening from 51° to 32° (and wind chills into the
upper teens) late Thursday night. Temps pick up again throughout the day Friday.
Again, this should
be a non-event for Norfolk. No watches,
warnings, activations. For those associated with our "WOW" efforts, Scott Mahone will schedule a coordination call.
Thanks!
Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
Director, Norfolk EOC
