The center of the large low pressure system is currently just off the Virginia Beach coast and is moving very slowly east-northeastward out to sea. Before it moves away, forecasters say that it has one last “punch” to deliver here in Hampton Roads. The storm brought heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding overnight and now with the low close by, we’re in a kind of lull in the winds. Drizzle is falling across the area and temperatures are in the low 40′s but they are slowly dropping. Forecasters are still calling for snow to develop around lunch time over the Southside Hampton Roads and they expect accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Now, I’ve seen numerous times since I moved here 12 years ago predictions of wrap-around snow behind these strong low pressure systems. However, I don’t remember one snowfall caused by the wrap-around effect since I’ve moved here. Now this system is different according to the NWS as it is a stronger system than we’ve seen in recent years and the upper level low is taking a track that is far enough south to bring us snow.  The most that I have seen from the wrap-around effect is a dusting to an inch of snow so this will be a first for me if we see the predicted 3 inches of snow. Forecasters are saying to prepare for hazardous driving/walking conditions. The storm has brough impressive amounts of snow from an area from Northern VA to South Jersey. Washington, DC picked up 20 inches as of 7:00 AM this morning and it is still snowing! Blizzard conditions are raging in South Jersey. The snow cuts off sharply as you head north towards NY.  The active pattern continues next week but let’s get past this storm before we discuss the next one. I’ll have an update later today if conditions warrant.

Just a brief post on the approaching storm… Another major winter storm is going to affect the Mid-Atlantic States this weekend, but there will be a distinct difference between this storm and last week’s storm. The low pressure area will move much closer to Hampton Roads than last week’s storm, hence we will see more rain than snow here locally. However, just to our north, the snowfall could be historic. Blizzard conditions will most likely develop later Friday night and Saturday up towards the Philadelphia area and points eastward. Washington DC will see very heavy snow accumulations. Even here in Hampton Roads, the rain may change to snow later Saturday as the wrap around precipitation affects SE VA. How much we get is still very questionable and is  very difficult to predict in situations like this. The precipitation may end for a period early on Saturday only to pick up again as the secondary low intensifies just off our coastline. Winds will increase Friday night and may be an issue early Saturday so please secure anything that could become airborne. Flooding may be an issue as rainfall amounts may be quite significant. I’ll have an update on this storm on Saturday morning.

High pressure will keep us dry on Monday, but the weather pattern remains very active so the dry weather will not last long. By Tuesday afternoon, precipitation should be falling across parts of  SE VA and NE NC. A southern stream low pressure system is expected to develop over the Southeastern states and this low is expected to move off the coast and intensify Tuesday night. Precipitation is expected to move into Hampton Roads Tuesday afternoon and it will continue Tuesday night. Temperatures should be warm enough for an all liquid event in the Hampton Roads cities. However, areas north and west may see a mix of snow, sleet, and rain. Temperatures will moderate this week so forecasters expect a lot of the snow and ice from the weekend storm to melt away. However, another blast of frigid air may be on the way for the weekend or early next week. And, another possibly more potent storm system is expected to develop over the Gulf States region and move northeastward towards our region on Friday and Saturday. Precipitation type may be an issue with this storm but right now, forecasters are leaning towards rain here in Hampton Roads… but stay tuned on this one as the forecast could change bringing snow to our region again…. This active pattern is typical of an El Nino season and we should see it continue throughout February.