DC area braces for winter storm that could blanket the region with 10 inches of snow, plus freezing rain
Nearly a foot of snow and sleet will coat the D.C. region this weekend. But it won’t be a winter wonderland.
A cold weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday. Temperatures for Saturday’s early morning hours won’t climb out of the 20s by much. But, the day starts dry, giving area residents enough time to finish any pre-storm preparations or last-minute grocery shopping.
Bone-chilling temperatures will stick around for the remainder of the day, with precipitation picking up in the late afternoon into the evening.
7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans said light snowfall could begin anytime after 9 p.m., with heavy snow falling after midnight.
D.C., Maryland and Virginia have declared states of emergencies to better prepare their jurisdictions with state and federal resources.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told WTOP on Friday that the storm will likely reach “every single part of the state of Maryland.”
“There’s nothing I would have loved more after this storm than to have a 50-degree day, because then everything would melt. … That’s not what’s going to happen,” he said.
With an Arctic mass moving southeast across North America, extremely cold temperatures will settle throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Make sure to layer up and keep your gloves handy.
Looking to the big snowstorm
Overnight into Sunday, the National Weather Service said, “Given how cold the air mass is below the warm nose, (there’s) some question as to how much freezing rain there is, versus those droplets refreezing in the cold layer back into sleet.”
Sunday is when things get hairy — moderate to heavy amounts of snow will start pre-dawn and through the morning. Heavy morning snow and a mix of freezing rain and sleet moves north, making the roads hard to traverse.
Evans anticipates anywhere from 3 to 6 inches could be on the ground in the D.C. region by Sunday morning.
This system will be high impact, with potential snowfall totals in the 5 to 10 inch range or more for the immediate D.C. metro area. The National Weather Service reports that some areas could see up to 14 inches of snow and sleet accumulations, with ice buildup between one and two tenths of an inch.
Jaw-chattering temperatures in the teens could freeze and compact the snow, making it stick around longer than the D.C. area is used to.
A winter storm warning is in effect for most of the region until 4 a.m. Monday. The National Weather Service forecast the frigid temperatures will last through the beginning of next week, with more snow on the horizon for next weekend.
Power outages and dangerous roads are entirely possible, so stay up to date on regional notices and stay indoors as much as possible.
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FORECAST
SATURDAY: COLD ALERT
Cloudy, Late Evening Snow
Highs: 18-22
Wind Chill: -5 -15
Winds: North 5-10 mph
As of now, Saturday daytime looks dry but very cold, with highs around 22 degrees. However, morning wind chills will be below zero. A cold weather advisory is set to expire at 10 a.m. Expect plenty of dry time to wrap up any pre-storm prep or last-minute shopping. The first flakes show up this evening, then snow becomes steadier and heavier overnight. If you’re heading out, travel conditions could go downhill pretty quickly.
SATURDAY NIGHT: WINTER ALERT
Heavy Snow
Lows: 15-20
Wind Chill: 5-10
Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph
Snow begins late in the evening and picks up in intensity before midnight. Heavy snow continues through sunrise. Expect a few to several inches of fluffy, powdery snow already on the ground by the time you wake up Sunday.
SUNDAY: WINTER ALERT
Heavy AM Snow, PM Wintry Mix
Highs: 24-28
Wind Chill: 10s
Winds: Northeast 10-20 mph
By the time you wake up, there will already be a few to several inches of snow on the ground. As the day goes on, a warm layer a few thousand feet above the ground develops. This will cause sleet pellets to mix in with snow flakes, and eventually freezing rain late in the afternoon and early evening. This will cut down snow totals, especially south of the D.C. metro area. Freezing rain may lead to a quarter-inch or less of ice on surfaces, tree limbs and power lines in this area. Farther north, plan for all snow with the highest totals ranging anywhere from 12 to 15 inches. Regardless of the exact mix line, this system will be high impact for everyone. Travel will be very difficult to nearly impossible in some areas. Power outages are a possibility for areas that see more ice accumulation. Stay with the First Alert Weather Team on-air and online for updates throughout the storm.
MONDAY: COLD ALERT
Mostly Sunny
Highs: 24-29
Wind Chill: 10s
Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph
Gusts: 35-40 mph
The winter storm comes to an end, but the cold air is here to stay. Snow melt will be very difficult except for areas under direct sunshine. Road conditions will remain hazardous and likely snow and ice covered throughout the day.