Washington, D.C. – The next 36 hours could determine whether the Monday morning commute across the D.C. region grinds to a halt as a winter storm threatens to drop at least 5 inches of snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning for the District of Columbia and portions of central and southern Maryland and northern Virginia. Forecasters say accumulating snow is likely to begin Sunday afternoon, with totals of 5 inches or more possible by early Monday. Wind gusts up to 35 mph could blow snow across highways and reduce visibility overnight.
The watch covers Prince George’s, Charles and central and southeast Montgomery counties in Maryland. In Virginia, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, King George, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties, including Manassas and Manassas Park, are included.
If heavier snow bands develop Sunday night, major routes such as I-95, I-66 and the Capital Beltway could become snow-covered before daybreak Monday. Slippery secondary roads and neighborhood streets may linger into the morning drive.
Residents should review travel plans now, prepare for possible school or office schedule changes and monitor forecast updates. Watches can be upgraded to warnings if confidence increases in higher snowfall totals.
