D.C. Region Braces for Major Winter Storm: Up too 14 Inches of Snow and Sleet Expected
A meaningful winter storm is poised to impact the Washington D.C. region this weekend,bringing with it the potential for nearly a foot of snow and sleet,alongside dangerously cold temperatures. While the storm is expected to deliver substantial snowfall, officials caution it won’t be a picturesque “winter wonderland” due to the accompanying ice and prolonged cold.
A cold weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday, with temperatures struggling to rise above the 20s in the early morning hours. Fortunately, Saturday will begin dry, providing residents with a window to finalize storm preparations and complete any last-minute grocery shopping.
The situation is expected to deteriorate rapidly as the day progresses. Bone-chilling temperatures will persist, and precipitation will increase in intensity throughout the late afternoon and evening. According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Evans, extremely cold temperatures are bringing frigid conditions to the Mid-Atlantic region. Residents are advised to dress in layers and keep gloves readily available.
The National Weather Service is closely monitoring the potential for a mix of precipitation types. Officials noted that the cold air mass and a “warm nose” aloft create uncertainty regarding the balance between freezing rain and sleet.The outcome will substantially impact road conditions and the overall severity of the storm.
Sunday is anticipated to be the most challenging day, with moderate to heavy snowfall beginning before dawn and continuing throughout the morning. A combination of heavy snow,freezing rain,and sleet is expected to make travel exceedingly tough,if not impractical. Evans forecasts 3 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in the D.C. region by Sunday morning, with potential snowfall totals ranging from 5 to 10 inches or more in the immediate metro area. The National Weather Service warns that some areas could receive up to 14 inches of snow and sleet, accompanied by up to two tenths of an inch of ice accumulation.
The exceptionally cold temperatures, possibly dropping into the teens, are expected to compact the snow, prolonging its presence on the ground.
Local governments are actively preparing for the storm. In Virginia, officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reported having already pretreated over 14,000 lane miles of roads to reduce the bonding of snow and ice. Snowplow crews are being organized and staged in anticipation of the onset of precipitation. A VDOT official explicitly urged the public: “Do not travel once snow begins,” anticipating a “multiday response” to clear roadways.
The District of Columbia is also mobilizing its snow removal fleet, adding additional plows and preparing to clear alleyways where feasible. Following the mayor’s snow declaration on Friday, residents and visitors were warned to ensure their vehicles are not parked on designated snow routes, with enforcement beginning at noon Saturday.
A winter storm warning is in effect for most of the region until 4 a.m. Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts that the frigid temperatures will persist into the beginning of next week, with the possibility of additional snowfall next weekend.
Given the potential for power outages and hazardous road conditions, residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed about regional notices and remain indoors as much as possible.
Forecast Details:
- Saturday: Cloudy with late evening snow. Highs of 18-22°F. Wind chill of -5 to -15°F. North winds at 5-10 mph.
- Saturday night: Heavy snow. Lows of 15-20°F. Wind chill of 5-10°F. Northeast winds at 5-10 mph.
- Sunday: Heavy morning snow,transitioning to a wintry mix in the afternoon. Highs of 24-28°F. Wind chill in the 10s. Northeast winds at 10-20 mph.
- monday: Mostly sunny. Highs of 24-29°F. Wind chill in the 10s. Northwest winds at 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 35-40 mph.
Residents should prepare for a prolonged period of hazardous conditions, as snow melt will be limited and road conditions will remain challenging well into Monday.
