The National Weather Service (NWS) has an elevated snow risk for the entire area Sunday night into Monday, stating that there is “increasing confidence in regards to the potential for travel impacts & closures.”
Per the NWS: A start time of Sunday Afternoon or night is expected with a peak Monday AM-Afternoon and expected end Monday Evening-Night. “Accumulating snow, sleet, & freezing rain could lead to moderate impacts across the region. Travel disruptions are possible Sunday evening and especially during the Monday morning & evening commutes.”
Snow & Ice Totals: “Impactful accumulations are becoming increasingly likely, but confidence remains low on exact amounts.” On Friday, January 3rd a quick burst of snow is possible, but should not bring much in terms of accumulation. Read more about Friday here.
The NWS also has most of Maryland and Northern Virginia at a 50-80% probability of exceeding warning criteria level snow. As we’ve mentioned before, in our area, 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: 5 inches 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.
