EXMORE, Va. (WAVY) — The whole Eastern Shore is under a blizzard warning until 7 p.m. Saturday, with gusts up to 50 mph expected to accompany heavy snowfall Friday night into Saturday.

The warning extends until 7 p.m. Saturday, though the snowfall is expected to end around lunchtime Saturday.

As of Friday afternoon, the WAVY weather team is projecting anywhere from about 5 to 10 inches for the Shore, with even more accumulation closer to the Maryland line.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for coastal areas all the way up to New England as the nor’easter system moves up to the Atlantic coast, but the Shore isn’t expected to see as much snowfall as places such as Connecticut and New York, where more than a foot of snowfall is projected. Some areas in the northeastern parts of New England could see more than two feet of snow.

The public should avoid travel if possible, as blowing snow could make travel treacherous. The high winds and snow could also lead to power outages.

The National Guard is already on standby to help and VDOT has been working to prepare roads.

In preparation, the Corner Bakery in Onancock was reminding folks you can stock up on donuts to make due. Virginia ABC stores on the Shore are also still operating on normal schedules at this time, as the snow isn’t expected to come through until later Friday evening.

Accomack and Northampton government facilities, including landfills are closed on Saturday due to the weather.

WAVY’s Andy Fox made his way over to Exmore on Friday. He had a Facebook Live earlier as he got off the bridge-tunnel.

The signs are everywhere: brine solution stains on the street to prevent snow or ice from sticking to the road surface, extra snow removal assets were relocated where they are needed, sand ready for traction, and road salt for melting icy patches. 

VDOT is ready to roll.

“Already over the last 24-36 hours, we placed 60,000 gallons of brine district-wide and here on the Eastern Shore. We got 45 trucks from plows to spreaders, and they are ready to go,” said Jordan-Ashley Walker who is a VDOT senior communications officer. 

No one has done more to distribute extra salt to the Eastern Shore than Reese Transportation and driver Dave Stewart.

“Our company has delivered 250 tons of rock salt that they use on the highway for icy conditions to knock the ice down,” he said.

As drivers fill up with gas, Eastern Shore residents are preparing for what is predicted to be a major snow event.

“We are going to get snow, lots of it…12 inches,” said Melfa resident Tina Shelton.

VDOT reminding everyone this is not some joke storm. Stay off the roads, 

“While it is really important for motorists in the Hampton Roads district to stay off the roads over the next 12-36 hours it is critical for drivers  on the Eastern Shore to stay inside.” 

Blizzard winds greater than 35 mph also on the weekend menu.

“Because we are expecting high winds, we have three crews ready to respond on demand if we get a downed tree because of that heavy wind we are expecting,” Walker said.

We asked Stewart what is he expecting, 

“I am expecting the worst. The worst, but hoping for the best. Be prepared for the worst. We need to make sure we have plenty of relief drivers and make sure guys are not out extended periods of time,” he said.

We met the Bells driving away from their optometrist appointment, which they got just in time. We told Stuart Bell there could be 8-12 inches of snow,  

“Well, I hope it’s two inches. I never liked snow as a kid. Believe me, I’m 83 years old. I don’t like snow,“ Bell said.