Snowfall Band Expands Across North Carolina and Virginia as Radar Shows Southward Shift of the Snow Line, Forecasters Say
UNITED STATES — A winter weather system moving up the East Coast tonight has pushed the snow line farther south and east than earlier expected, bringing steady snowfall into parts of North Carolina and Virginia, according to updated radar imagery analyzed around 8:45 p.m.
Meteorologists report that while the broader precipitation shield is beginning to weaken and break apart, multiple steady pockets of snow continue across central and eastern sections of both states.
Radar Shows Notable Shift in the Snow Line
Updated radar maps show the snow line extending from Raleigh and Goldsboro in North Carolina up through Richmond, Emporia, Norfolk, and the Hampton Roads region in Virginia.
Weather analysts noted that the snow band progressed:
“Farther south and east than earlier model guidance suggested.”
Areas highlighted on radar include:
- Raleigh–Durham region, where light to moderate snow remains persistent
- I-95 corridor in Virginia, including Emporia and Petersburg
- Richmond metro, with continued light bands
- Norfolk and Tidewater region, as snow edges toward the coast
This southward push increases snowfall potential for communities that began the day expecting mainly rain or minimal accumulation.
Snow Shield Begins Breaking Up — But Pockets of Steady Snow Persist
Forecasters emphasize that the overall system is weakening, but several well-organized snow pockets remain, particularly across:
- Central North Carolina
- Southside Virginia
- Southeastern Virginia toward Hampton Roads
These lingering snow zones may continue producing brief bursts of accumulation, especially on grassy surfaces, elevated roadways, bridges, and untreated secondary roads.
Even minimal accumulation may reduce visibility at times, especially in the darker evening hours.
Why the Snow Moved Farther South and East
The shift in the snow line is likely associated with:
- Dry air intrusion aloft, helping convert rain to snow
- A stronger-than-expected cold dome over both states
- Slight track adjustments of the offshore low-pressure system
These factors often cause late-evening banding features, allowing snow to reach areas that initially forecast rain or mixed precipitation.
Meteorologists say this type of behavior is common in marginal-temperature winter events along the East Coast.
Expected Conditions Through the Remainder of the Night
As the system pulls away:
- Snow intensity should slowly diminish, but not immediately
- Remaining bands may linger for another 2–4 hours, especially near Norfolk and Richmond
- Temperatures hovering near freezing may cause slick spots, particularly on bridges and elevated highways
- Winds may shift behind the departing system, helping drier air move in
No widespread travel disruptions are expected, but drivers should exercise caution on untreated roads.
Residents Urged to Monitor Rapid Changes
Because the snow line continues to shift southeastward, some areas along the Carolina coast may see brief snowflakes before the system fully exits.
Weather analysts emphasize that last-minute adjustments are typical with fast-moving coastal systems.
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