Blog: rain, wind and much more; Beginning of snow is expected in the late morning / early afternoon

Waking up to heavy rain across the region as the first major storm system of the New Year takes shape. While many of us are excited about the snow potential, we have other issues to deal with.

The great depression near the Carolinas will travel along the boundary of the stationary front and drive right through Hampton Roads. As a result, the cold air will stay well in our north all morning, leaving only rain for our morning commute. Rain, with the chance of a few thunderstorms! Believe it or not, parts of eastern North Carolina are threatened with thunderstorms all morning.

ONE Tornado clock as issued for parts of eastern North Carolina until 11 a.m. This includes mainland Dare County and parts of the Outer Banks. Some severe thunderstorms are possible with a tornado or two.

The other big factor all morning long … the winter wind. Gusts of wind already exceed 40 miles per hour in some locations and will be present throughout the day. Power outages As a result, parts of the Hampton Roads are being reported, so another issue to keep in mind.

Since it comes from the waterways in the northeast, it’s likely around morning high tide, closer to 10 a.m. or so, tidal flooding. Expect flooding in low-lying areas, especially when combined with the potential 2+ “rain we can see.

Okay what about the snow? The cold air won’t come in until later in the morning, so we expect the rain-snow mix to begin in the late morning along the peninsula and then continue until noon or so the rain-snow line begins closer to parts of the south side.

So, as always, the best chance of seeing snow is north and west of the peninsula. While we expect most of us to mix the snow with the rain, the buildups won’t be all that impressive. A coating on grassy areas or something should do, with higher amounts in our north and west.

Likewise…. it gets cold. Really cold tonight. The wind isn’t really easing, and wind chill factors will be in the teens and twenties. We need to watch the ice threat Tuesday morning.

There is so much to unzip so keep it on the air and on social media all morning for updates.

Stay dry and safe this morning!

Meteorologist Steve Fundaro