Virginia — Breath hangs in the air, and bare pavement already feels slick underfoot. Arctic cold has settled in across Northern Virginia and the District, setting the stage for a high-impact winter storm that worsens fast.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect this morning. Wind chills have dropped as low as 9 degrees below zero, increasing hypothermia risk. Limit time outdoors and dress in layers if you must head out.
The bigger concern builds later today. A Winter Storm Warning begins this evening and lasts into early Monday. Snow spreads in after sunset, quickly becoming heavy at times. Meteorologists expect 7 to 14 inches of snow and sleet, with ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch in parts of the region.
Travel conditions deteriorate rapidly tonight. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour, especially near and north of I-95, I-395, and the Capital Beltway. Visibility drops below a quarter mile at times. Plan now to avoid travel once snow intensifies.
Sunday brings a dangerous mix. Snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain, especially south of Highway 50. Ice loads increase the risk of power outages and falling trees. Conditions may become nearly impassable by evening.
By early Monday, snow tapers, but the danger does not end. Bitter cold follows the storm. Melted snow refreezes, creating black ice on untreated roads and sidewalks. The Monday morning commute could be severely impacted.
Looking ahead, colder-than-normal temperatures linger through midweek. Precipitation chances fall after Monday, but winter remains locked in across the Mid-Atlantic.
Are roads already icing where you are, or are you planning to stay put through the storm? Share what you’re seeing.
Five-Day Outlook: Annandale, Virginia
• Sunday: Heavy snow and wintry mix. High near 27.
• Monday: Snow ending early, colder. High near 28.
• Tuesday: Sunny, very cold. High near 24.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cold. High near 25.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, frigid mornings. High near 22.
