Winter Weather Update

Two upper-level low pressure centers will merge into one very strong system over the Mid-Atlantic Wednesday into Thursday. The southern low brought snow to central Texas Tuesday and will weaken as it moves northeast on Wednesday. The second low is moving southeast out of the eastern Great Lakes region, and will strengthen as it heads this way. Lift from both of these systems will bring rain and snow to central Virginia Wednesday afternoon, with a transition to all snow Wednesday night. The snow will initially fall into surface temperatures several degrees above freezing, resulting in little to no accumulation through the evening hours. As the near-surface air saturates late Wednesday night, temperatures will fall into the range of 32 to 35 degrees, promoting an accumulation of snow, primarily on grassy and elevated surfaces. Recent temperatures in the 50s and low 60s have warmed street temperatures to a point that most roads should remain wet. Snow accumulations of around one inch will be possible across the metro area, with higher totals possible to the east and northeast. Strong winds will develop as the coastal low deepens just east of the eastern shore of Virginia on Thursday, and moves slowly northward up the coast.