THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 5, 1996 TAG: 9601050448
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
National Weather Service forecasters began sounding the snow alarm Thursday, warning that this weekend could bring a major winter storm to Hampton Roads.
It appears the critical ingredients will be in place - plenty of cold air and ample moisture - but whether they come together in the right quantities at the right point is the question.
``The potential exists for a significant winter storm Saturday night through Sunday night for Virginia, Northeastern North Carolina and the lower Maryland shore,'' the Weather Service office in Wakefield said in a statement issued at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The Weather Service definition of ``significant snowfall'' is 4 or more inches.
Forecast models show that a storm developing over west Texas on Thursday will move to the Mississippi-Alabama Gulf Coast by Saturday morning. It is expected to strengthen Saturday night and push northeast to just off Cape Hatteras by Sunday. The storm is expected to be south of New England by Monday.
At the same time, Arctic high pressure over New England will be pushing into the area, reinforcing the area of cold air over the mid-Atlantic region.
``The potential exists for significant accumulating snow over the region beginning Saturday night,'' said meteorologist Neil Stewart. ``The exact location and amounts of snow will depend on the track of the storm. Whether there is a changeover to rain, sleet or freezing rain will also depend on the track of the storm.''
Hampton Roads had a taste of wintry weather late Wednesday when rain changed to snow, coating lawns in white for a few hours, as temperatures plunged. But the snow vanished with dawn.
This time, it's looking more likely that at least areas just inland and north of Norfolk and Virginia Beach will see heavy snowfall.
Plenty of cold air is already in place. Thursday's high in Norfolk was only 38 with a low of 27, and today is expected to be even colder, meteorologist David Tolleris said Thursday night.
``That is what is setting the stage for snow,'' he said. ``The cold air will be so deep.''
Tolleris said he expects only snow over the Peninsula and in western Tidewater. ``And it's possible that even along the coast it could be substantial snow,'' he said.
``This is a potentially dangerous situation and all persons should monitor the weather closely,'' the Weather Service said.
Here is the Hampton Roads and vicinity forecast:
Today - Mostly cloudy with possible morning flurries followed by partly cloudy skies this afternoon. The high will be in the mid-30s. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy with a low in the lower to mid 20s.
Saturday - Increasing clouds with a 30 percent chance of snow during the afternoon and a high in the lower to mid 30s.
Saturday night - An increasing threat of snow with a low in the upper 20s or low 30s.
Sunday - Snow. High near 30.
Monday - Snow tapering to flurries. Low in the 20s; high in the 30s.
Tuesday - Partly cloudy and breezy. Low in the 20s; high in the lower 40s. by CNB