Bitter cold and one to two inches of snow are expected today as arctic air moves into the area.

Meteorologist James Foster of the National Weather Service said snow could begin in Suffolk around 4 to 5 p.m. and continue into the early evening. The wind chill will fall to around zero overnight, and Wednesday’s temperature won’t reach the freezing point.

City spokeswoman Diana Klink said city staff held a conference call Monday afternoon while out of the office for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

The Virginia Department of Transportation said it will pre-treat roads in the Hampton Roads area and monitor and treat roads during the storm.

Klink, however, said pre-treatment will be difficult because of the rain that will precede the snow. City staff will meet early today “to review and take all necessary precautionary measures as it relates to the monitoring of our roadways and other services related to the weather.”

Klink noted that today’s afternoon commute and Wednesday morning’s commute will be a challenge.

“Any untreated surfaces, you will see anything that remains is going to be hard-frozen,” said Foster of the National Weather Service. “Unless the roads are treated, you’re going to have some ice problems, especially Wednesday morning, so that could be problematic for commuters.”

Foster cautioned folks who have to be out and about this week to dress in warm, layered clothing and be wary of icy surfaces. Homeowners should insulate exposed pipes and open the cabinet doors under sinks so the pipes can be exposed to the home’s heat.