StormTracker8: Increasing confidence for this weekend’s winter Storm

Richmond, Va (WRIC) -- All eyes are on this weekend as we track our next winter storm. Confidence is increasing that this will transition from a snowstorm to an prolonged ice storm. This could be one of the biggest storms in the last decade.

An arctic front will sweep through on Thursday and set the stage for very cold air to pull into the region. This will bring temperatures well below freezing heading overnight Friday into Saturday.

The system is expected to begin around midday Saturday and last through late Sunday night. The start of the system will be snow and could change to some sleet but mainly switch to freezing rain starting early Sunday morning and last most of the day .

An ice storm is extremely dangerous. These events are silent. It looks like it's raining, but the rain is freezing to the roads, power lines, decks, all types of surfaces. Ice accumulation could cause power outages across Central Virginia. This is not guaranteed to happen, but it is likley.

Snow totals remain unknown. We do not have a snow map for you at this time; as we get to 60-72 hours out we will have an even better picture!

After the winter storm, temperatures will plunge into or near the single digits for Monday morning. Weather conditions and roadways are expected to be extremely dangerous. Temperatures are not forecast to return to above freezing until the end of next week.

As for the rest of this week: Thursday will be our last warm day, with highs in the 50s. Friday will be cooler, with highs in the 40s again.