The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center has put out a map showing the probability of exceeding “Winter Storm Warning” criteria for the area.
Late this fall we put out an article explaining the criteria for winter storm watches, advisories and warnings. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of 5inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period, AND/OR enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines AND/OR a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
While much of the region remains under an “Enhanced Winter Storm Threat” or “Slight Winter Storm Threat” for Saturday, it doesn’t appear that this will bring major accumulations to
the DMV. As of Wednesday afternoon, the storm is expected to make into the area on Saturday morning and start off as winter precipitation before switching over to rain for areas near DC. We’ll continue to monitor and keep you updated of any changes.