D.C. Region Braces for Significant Winter Storm with Up to a Foot of Snow

The Washington D.C. region is preparing for a significant winter storm, with forecasts indicating up to a foot of snow and sleet.

Storm Details: Timing, Accumulation, and Frigid Temperatures

Light snowfall is expected to begin after 9 p.m. Saturday, intensifying to heavy snow after midnight. By Sunday morning, 3 to 6 inches of snow could accumulate in the D.C. region, with potential totals of 5 to 10 inches or more for the immediate metro area.

Some locations may experience up to 14 inches of snow and sleet, alongside ice buildup between one and two-tenths of an inch.

Very cold temperatures, including wind chills below zero on Saturday and temperatures in the teens during the storm, are expected to freeze and compact the snow, potentially prolonging its presence.

Official Declarations and Preparedness Efforts

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin have declared states of emergency to mobilize state and federal resources. This includes pretreatment of roads and the organization of snowplow crews.

Travel Advisories and Safety Warnings

Officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the D.C. Department of Public Works have advised the public to avoid travel once precipitation begins.

VDOT reported pre-treating over 14,000 lane miles in Northern Virginia and organizing snowplow operations. The D.C. Department of Public Works (D.C. DPW) has prepared its snow truck fleet, salted alleyways, and will enforce parking restrictions on designated snow routes starting Saturday noon.

Lingering Hazards and Extended Forecast

A cold weather advisory is in effect until Saturday morning, with a winter storm warning active for most of the region until 4 a.m. Monday. Hazardous road conditions are anticipated to persist into next week due to the accumulation of snow and ice, and potential power outages are a concern in areas with ice accumulation.

Temperatures are expected to remain frigid through the beginning of next week, with additional snowfall possible the following weekend.