Virginia Beach and Norfolk were hit with a significant snowfall this week, with over 10 inches blanketing the coastal cities and some areas of Virginia Beach seeing up to 12.5 inches. This winter storm, the strongest of the season, was a major snow event for the region, disrupting daily life, snarling traffic, forcing closures, and even rescheduling trash pickup. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) recorded 10.2 inches, making it the 8th highest snowfall total since 1890!
This year has been unusual for winter weather across the US, with some areas seeing record-breaking snowfall. While Virginia Beach’s snowfall was significant for the area, it’s interesting to compare it to the truly historic snowstorm that impacted Florida earlier this year. Some parts of the Florida Panhandle saw nearly 10 inches of snow—a record-shattering amount for a state where snow is a rare occurrence. While Virginia Beach’s total was less, it’s important to remember the context.
Snow in Virginia Beach, while not as unusual as in Florida, is still a notable event, especially when it accumulates to the levels seen this week. Other beach areas along the Gulf Coast also experienced significant snowfall from the same system that hit Florida, highlighting just how widespread and impactful this particular weather pattern was.
But here’s the interesting part of the Virginia Beach story: The National Weather Service nearly nailed the forecast. Predicting winter snow, especially amounts, is incredibly tough, but even two days out, their forecast consistently pointed toward significant snow for the region. They even correctly predicted the limited sleet, a crucial detail for coastal areas.
Meteorologists always review their performance after a big event. In this case, the NWS team noted the forecast “went about as expected,” with only a minor difference in the western edge of the heaviest snow. This impressive accuracy highlights the progress in winter weather forecasting, giving communities valuable time to prepare for major storms. This kind of accurate prediction is essential for coastal communities, allowing residents and businesses to take necessary precautions and minimize the impact of these significant weather events.