Washington, D.C. – A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions to the D.C. metro area, Maryland, and northern Virginia, beginning Tuesday afternoon and lasting through early Wednesday. Snowfall rates could reach up to 2 inches per hour, significantly impacting evening and morning commutes.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. The storm is expected to bring 3-6 inches of snow to D.C. and its immediate surroundings, with higher totals of 4-8 inches south and west of the city. Snow will begin late Tuesday morning, intensifying in the afternoon and evening.
Northern Virginia and central Maryland, including Montgomery and Howard counties, could see snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour and reduced visibility below half a mile. Meanwhile, western Virginia and eastern West Virginia are bracing for even higher totals, with some ridge areas expecting up to 10 inches of snow and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch.
Drivers are urged to use extreme caution, as hazardous road conditions could make travel dangerous Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning. The storm may also bring a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain late Tuesday night into early Wednesday.
Officials advise carrying emergency supplies when traveling and checking 511 for updated road conditions. Residents should prepare for possible power outages and delays.
