Hampton Roads has a reputation. We panic at the sight of a single flurry. But honestly? This time, the "Weather Impact Alert" for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is less about a snow apocalypse and more about a messy, cold transition that could catch drivers off guard.
The forecast is a bit of a tease. Saturday was mild, almost comfortable. But by Sunday morning, rain showers will start moving in before sunrise. As the day progresses, a blast of colder air is going to get sucked into the region, turning that rain into snow showers by the afternoon.
Hampton Roads Winter Storm Closings: The Sunday Reality Check
If you're looking for massive school cancellations right now, you might be jumping the gun. Most local districts, including Newport News Public Schools, are already scheduled to be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This effectively gives the region a "free" day to see how the roads behave without the pressure of a Monday morning bus run.
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Who is actually prepping?
City leaders aren't sitting idle. Norfolk has already pulled the trigger on its emergency plan, activating Winter Overflow Overnight Shelters at Tabernacle Church on Granby Street and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Newport News is taking a different route, opening up its public libraries as warming centers during regular hours. Their crews are already mounting spreaders and brine units. If they didn't finish brining the main roads on Friday, they’re finishing the job today.
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The "Black Ice" factor in Chesapeake
Down in Chesapeake, the strategy is slightly different. Because the storm is starting as rain, city officials decided against brining the roads. Why? The rain would just wash the brine away before the snow ever hits. Instead, they’re watching bridges and overpasses for black ice. This is the real threat for Hampton Roads on Sunday evening.
Virginia Beach public works crews are also focusing on the "elevated" danger—literally. They are pre-treating bridges and overpasses, which are notorious for freezing while the main roads stay wet.
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What's actually closing?
Right now, the "closings" are more about services and safety than a total shutdown.
- Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has issued an inclement weather alert effective for 4:16 AM on Sunday, January 18.
- Many Sunday church services and community events are likely to move online or cancel as the transition to snow happens Sunday afternoon.
- James City County and Gloucester often see slightly more accumulation than the Southside, so keep an eye on local park and library hours there.
Will there be accumulation?
Not really. The ground is still too warm from our milder Saturday to support "meaningful" accumulation on the roads. You’ll see a white dusting on your lawn and maybe your neighbor's SUV, but most paved surfaces will just stay wet and slushy.
The danger isn't being buried; it's the isolated slick spots on untreated surfaces.
Actionable Steps for Sunday Afternoon
- Check the 511 Virginia app before you head out Sunday evening. It’s the most accurate way to see if the I-64 High Rise Bridge or the HRBT is getting dicey.
- Download the 13News Now app for the "Weather Impact" alerts. They’ll be the first to post if a specific city office decides to delay Tuesday openings.
- Gas up today. If the power flickers due to wet snow on lines—unlikely but possible—you don't want to be the one stuck in a three-hour line at a Wawa.
- Know the warming centers. If you or someone you know lacks reliable heat, head to the Norfolk churches mentioned or the Newport News libraries before the sun goes down.
Basically, don't buy all the bread and milk just yet. This is a classic "wait and see" event for the 757, where the biggest impact will be a messy Sunday commute and a very cold start to the work week on Tuesday.