A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the District of Columbia and much of central and northern Maryland and northern Virginia as a powerful winter storm is expected to impact the region from late Saturday night through early Monday morning.
The National Weather Service says the warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday. Forecasts call for heavy mixed precipitation, including significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Per the National Weather Service, total snow and sleet accumulations are expected to range from 7 to 14 inches, with the highest totals likely in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. Ice accumulations between one and two tenths of an inch are also possible, especially south of Highway 50.
Snow is expected to overspread the area Saturday night and become heavy at times, with snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour possible. On Sunday, precipitation is expected to mix with sleet and freezing rain, increasing the risk for dangerous travel and power outages. Visibility could drop to a quarter mile or less during the heaviest precipitation.
Forecasters warn that power outages and tree damage are likely due to icing, and travel could become nearly impossible at times. The hazardous conditions may significantly impact the Monday morning commute.
In addition to the storm, a prolonged period of very cold air is expected to settle in beginning this evening and lasting through the middle of next week. Wind chills are forecast to drop into the teens and single digits, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.
Officials urge residents to delay all travel if possible. Those who must travel are advised to use extreme caution and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including food, water, and a flashlight.
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