The National Weather Service predicted late Thursday afternoon that Suffolk would see a half an inch to an inch of snow late Thursday night into early Friday morning.

“Despite the fact that Thursday was milder, there’s a storm in the Midwest and Ohio that is moving east,” said Chris Wamsley, a meteorologist with NSA. “It has a decent amount of snowfall and an abundance of cold air that’ll come in behind it.”

While the storm should have had little precipitation, meaning fewer icy spots, visibly was reduced to 1 to 3 miles, Wamsley said.

“Icy spots on the roads in the morning should be minimal due to the lack of moisture in the snow,” Wamsley said, and added that any spots should clear up by the afternoon, due to winds that will follow the snow.

Lauren Hansen with the Virginia Department of Transportation said crews were out on Thursday in the communities surrounding Suffolk and prepared main routes and interstates.

“The weather has been severely cold which brings down the roadway temperatures,” Hansen said. “That is always the concern when dealing with snow and ice. We’re monitoring the roadway situations as the storm progresses.”

Hansen said the most important thing drivers need to remember Friday morning is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, drive slowly and if they lose traction to pump their brakes. She also cautioned drivers in 4-wheel drive vehicles need to remember that they don’t have any more traction than someone with 2-wheel drive and to drive accordingly.

According to Suffolk City School officials, a decision on the start of classes Friday would be made no later than 5 a.m. Friday.