UPDATE Jan. 29, 2022 -Hampton had about roughly 4 inches of snow overnight, but the main roads are mostly clear as of 6 a.m.. However, secondary roads, turning lanes, bridges and overpasses may be slick or have icy spots. Driving could still be hazardous, so officials are asking people to stay off roads unless you have to drive.
Crews from Public Works began pre-treating Wednesday through Saturday, putting down brine down and then salt and then salt again. Roadway temperatures were warm until about 10 Friday night. That combination of heat, brine and salt just did not allow the snow to accumulate.
Crews will continue to drop salt on main roads until the snow stops, and after that we will focus on turn lanes. We will also continue on bridges and overpasses to prevent re-freezing. Snow plows haven't been used because snow didn't accumulate on roads.
Radar is showing the snow should stop around 8 a.m., but the area still has frigid temperatures and cold, high winds blowing through.
Freezing temperatures are expected Saturday, and Sunday will be even colder. High winds could still bring down tree limbs and will be making the cold feel much colder. Wind chill factors will remain in the teens today, and drop to single digits overnight and early Sunday.
Jan. 28, 2022 - The latest weather forecast calls for 2-4 inches of snow overnight, wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree branches, and bitter cold.
The combination of low temperatures and wind gusts up to 40 mph is expected to produce wind chill factors in the teens Saturday and single-digits on Sunday. A winter storm warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Saturday, and a gale warning has also been issued. There is also a likelihood of minor tidal flooding.
"Hampton Roads is really on the edge of this event," said Jeff Orrock from the National Weather Service. If the storm hugs the shore, we could get hit harder. If it is further off the coast, our snowfall totals could be less. Areas north and east of Hampton Roads are expecting blizzards, including the Eastern Shore and up the northeastern coast.
Local and state emergency officials are urging people to stay at home, especially until roads are cleared. Hampton will close community and recreational facilities -- libraries, parks, including Bluebird Gap Farm, community centers, pools, the Hampton History Museum and Air Power Park on Saturday. Health officials urge people to be aware of the risk of heart attack when shoveling snow and to know the symptoms of hypothermia.
The National Weather Service station in Wakefield predicts rain late this evening, turning into snow late tonight. Crews will be working 12-hour shifts treating roadways and bridges with salt and brine. They will begin plowing when snow accumulation reaches about an inch and a half. Click here to see a map of which streets will be plowed.
For up-to-date forecasts for the region, click here. The winds are expected to push water in from the Chesapeake Bay, with the predicted high tide Saturday morning about 5 feet above mean lower low water. That's typically minor flooding that affects yards and some roads.
A state of emergency has been declared for the state and for Hampton, which does not affect residents but should serve to underscore the warnings for traffic and health. It also allows Hampton and the state additional flexibility in reacting to the storm.