Washington, District of Columbia – A major winter storm could bring some of the most disruptive weather of the season to the nation’s capital and surrounding suburbs this weekend, with heavy snow, potential ice, and dangerous cold setting the stage for severe travel problems into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning for Washington, DC, much of central and southern Maryland, and northern and central Virginia. Forecasters say there is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with totals exceeding 10 inches possible in parts of the region. Snow is expected to overspread the area Saturday evening and intensify late Saturday night, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
Areas south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95, including Prince George’s County, southern Maryland, and parts of central Virginia, could see a changeover to sleet or freezing rain on Sunday, increasing the risk of ice accumulation and power outages. Visibility could drop to a quarter mile or less during heavier bursts.
The storm may significantly impact the Monday morning commute. Prolonged cold will follow, with wind chills in the teens and single digits and occasional sub-zero values into the middle of next week. Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as watches may be upgraded to warnings.
