Update: the Advisory has expanded again to include much of the DC region. More here.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has expanded its Winter Weather Advisory into portions of southern Maryland and northern Virginia, where forecasters expect accumulating snow and hazardous travel conditions beginning early Friday morning. The Special Weather Statement remains issued for areas closer to the DC Metro area, including DC and all immediately surrounding counties.
The advisory is now in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday for Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties in Maryland, as well as Stafford, Southern Fauquier, and portions of Prince William County in Virginia. According to the NWS, the affected areas are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow, with slightly higher totals possible if any narrow bands develop. Temperatures will be in the 20s through the morning, meaning snow is likely to accumulate quickly on all untreated surfaces, including roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
The timing of the storm is expected to create problems for commuters. Light snow is forecast to overspread the advisory area during the early-morning hours, and even modest totals could lead to slippery roads and slow travel during the Friday morning rush. As the system pulls away, the NWS notes that light freezing drizzle is possible into Friday evening, which could prolong slick conditions into the second half of the day.
Residents in the advisory area are urged to slow down, use caution while traveling, and check road conditions by calling 5-1-1. This advisory reflects a continuation of winter weather alerts issued earlier for parts of the region, as forecasters continue to warn that even light snow could cause disruptions during peak travel times. Additional updates will be shared as the forecast evolves.
