The National Weather Service Office in Wakefield, VA has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of the Roanoke-Chowan area as well as northeastern North Carolina (except for the Outer Banks) and southside Virginia.

Snowfall estimates have increased since Monday’s report of 4-to-6 inches in the local area.

As of Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service is predicting 6-to-8 inches for all of Hertford County, the northern half of Bertie County, and the majority of Northampton County. There could be higher amounts of snow in those areas.

Snowfall is expected to be heavier in Gates County, up to Franklin, VA and points north and east of there. That area could see 8-to-12 inches of snow.

The southern half of Bertie County is forecasted to receive 4-to-6 inches.

The snow will spread into the region Wednesday morning, with the heaviest amounts failing Wednesday afternoon and evening before tapering off. An additional burst of snow (approximately one-half inch) is possible prior to 12 noon on Thursday.

Travel is expected to become extremely difficult by Wednesday afternoon. Stay off the roads if at all possible. If you do have to travel, consider taking a blanket, food, and water along with a flashlight in case you become stranded.

Visit http://DriveNC.gov for road information.

The official weather forecast calls for a high temperature of 31 degrees on Wednesday with a low of 22 degrees.

Thursday’s high will be 33 degrees. The overnight low will dip into the low teens.

Friday and Saturday will see mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 30s and low 40s.

NOTE: Once it’s safe to go outside, snap a few photos of the snowfall in your area (to include kids playing or building a snowman) and email them to cal.bryant@r-cnews.com. Please include the name of the photographer and the general location of where the photos were taken.