What to Know
- Storm Team4 declared a weather alert for one of the most serious snow threats the D.C. area has seen in years.
- Snow is expected to begin Saturday night and continue Sunday.
- Expect 6 to 12 inches of snow across the region. Expect higher amounts north and west of D.C., and lower amounts south and east.
- Sleet and ice would limit snow totals. It will also be bitterly cold.
A winter storm threatens to dump 6 to 12 inches of snow or more in the D.C. area this weekend, along with sleet and ice that could lead to treacherous road conditions and school closings.
Snow is expected to move in on Saturday night and continue into the early hours of Monday. Most of the snow will fall through midday Sunday.
Ice is expected later on Sunday, too. Expect frigid temperatures in the teens and 20s.
Storm Team4 declared a weather alert for one of the most serious snow threats the D.C. area has seen in years. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the D.C. area. It’s set to be in effect Saturday evening through Monday morning.
How much snow should we expect?
Get ready for 6 to 12 inches of snow across the D.C. area. How much snow you’re expected to get depends on your location and how much sleet falls. More sleet or freezing rain means less snow.
- In the D.C. metro area and Interstate 95 corridor, we’re talking about a lot of snow but a pretty good chance that sleet will mix in. Expect snowfall between 6 and 10 inches.
- In Southern Maryland, sleet will really cut into the snowfall. Expect about 6 inches of snow.
- In the mountain zones north and west of D.C., this storm will bring all snow. These locations could see over a foot of snow.
Frigid temperatures in the teens and 20s will make sure that snow sticks around for several days at least.
What about road conditions?
During the day on Saturday, you won’t have any travel troubles. It will be bitterly cold, with wind chills in the single digits.
Roads will be snow-covered on Sunday, and it will likely be the worst day to travel.
By Monday, interstates and main roads should be cleared, but neighborhood and side roads might be a mess until Tuesday.
School closures and delays will be possible on Monday, and possibly later in the week, too.
This winter storm is expected to affect millions of people across much of the United States. Major airlines are letting people change their travel plans ahead of the storm, NBC News reports.
DMV braces for winter storm
For now, you have time to prepare. Storm Team4 says you can expect mild to average temperatures through Friday night. Frigid cold will take hold Saturday, but the day is expected to remain dry.
Make sure you have shovels and pet-safe deicer on hand. Grocery shop, refill prescriptions, top off your gas tank or charge your electric car.
DMV residents are already rushing to local grocery stores, stocking up on comforting food, water, firewood, batteries and beer.
A line of cars leading to the Arlington Costco parking lot stretched down the block on Wednesday evening. Take a look:
You might notice more trucks out as crews pretreat roads starting Thursday.
Meanwhile, parents and a nonprofit are working to provide free, warm clothing to local kids in winter clothing swaps.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness Wednesday, cautioning residents to avoid travel if possible and keep track of the forecast.
“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” Moore said in a news release. “The safety and security of our residents is our top priority. Please remain vigilant, listen to authorities, use common sense, and complete emergency preparations as soon as possible.”
We’ll keep you updated on how this storm develops. You can download our apps for daily forecast updates.
Fun fact: Did you know this week marks 10 years since the blockbuster “Snowzilla” blizzard hit D.C.?
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