Bomb Cyclone Targeting VA: See Latest Timing, Snow Potential

A rapidly intensifying storm is forecast to strengthen into a bomb cyclone along the Atlantic Coast this weekend and could bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions and strong winds to parts of Virginia, according to the latest forecasts.

In an update released Thursday morning, AccuWeather forecasters said the storm is expected to develop in the Southeast on Friday, then rapidly strengthen along the Atlantic Coast into a bomb cyclone by Saturday.

As it intensifies, forecasters said snow coverage and wind speeds will increase from the Southeast to the Northeast coast.

"People need to prepare for the possibility of dangerous blizzard conditions in some coastal areas from North Carolina to the southern Jersey shore," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Scott Homan said. "Blizzard conditions may reach parts of Long Island and southern New England."

According to forecasts, the storm's greatest impacts will mostly be felt in southeastern Virginia and on the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, both of which could receive 6-12 inches of snow, accompanied by near-blizzard conditions and possible coastal flooding.

"With a full moon this weekend, astronomical tides will be higher than normal. That means even a modest storm surge can push water much farther inland than people expect," Homan said. "Coastal residents need to be prepared for flooding near high tide."

For Northern Virginia, chances for significant snowfall are less. AccuWeather predicts the area could receive 1-3 inches of snow from Friday to Sunday, as well as 30 to 50 mph wind gusts. The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center said the region has a 10 to 20 percent chance of seeing moderate snowfall.

Meanwhile, bitterly cold temperatures are expected to linger well into next week with wind chill values falling below zero on occasion. A cold weather advisory once again goes into effect on Thursday at 7 p.m. The advisory expires at 11 a.m. on Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, wind chills as low as 9 below zero are expected across Northern Virginia.

"Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures," forecasters said. "Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure."

Here's a look at the latest National Weather Service forecast for the region:

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind around 7 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -2. Light north wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the evening.

Saturday: A chance of snow, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. North wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Blustery.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Blustery.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 33.