A CRIPPLING SNOWSTORM HITS MID-ATLANTIC STATES... WILL HAMPTON ROADS GET IN ON THE ACTION?... THE ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN CONTINUES INTO NEXT WEEK

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.