Key Takeaways:
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the D.C. region, with snow and freezing weather expected this weekend
- Snow is expected to fall across the region, bringing slick roads, gusty winds, and low temperatures in the teens
- Road crews are preparing for the storm, and officials are urging drivers to stay home and avoid travel if possible
- Temperatures will remain cold throughout the weekend, with wind chills in the single digits and lows in the upper teens to low 20s
- The cold weather is expected to linger, with temperatures not rising above freezing until Tuesday
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The D.C. region is bracing for its second snowfall of the month, with a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The advisory warns of a wintery mix of rain and snow moving into the region, bringing freezing weather and possible ice with it. Snow is expected to fall across the D.C. region this weekend, bringing slick roads, gusty winds, and low temperatures in the teens. The storm is expected to hit the region on Saturday evening, with conditions changing rapidly as a rain and snow mix develops, changing to all snow overnight.
Weather Forecast and Conditions
According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña, the snow is expected to accumulate on grass and untreated surfaces first, with slick roads and sidewalks a major concern. Peña advises delaying or avoiding travel in the early morning hours, especially on Sunday morning when snow showers may linger, especially east of I-95. Behind the Arctic front, strong northwest winds gusting up to 40 mph will send wind chills in the single digits, making for a very cold Sunday afternoon. Sunday night lows will fall into the upper teens to low 20s, with wind chills near zero. Even after the snow ends, brutal cold weather will linger, with Monday expected to be partly sunny but frigid, with highs only reaching the upper 20s to low 30s.
Preparations and Warnings
Road crews are preparing for the storm, with the Virginia Department of Transportation pretreating interstates, primary roads, and high-volume secondary roads since Friday. Charlie Gischler with the Maryland State Highway Administration is urging drivers to avoid travel if possible, advising them to "just stay off the roads Saturday night into Sunday." If travel is necessary, drivers are reminded to slow down and exercise caution. D.C.’s snow coordinator, Warnique West, is reminding drivers to give snow trucks space and stay at least six to 10 feet back, so crews can work safely. The cold weather is expected to be particularly hazardous, with Peña warning that the bus stop and morning commute will be very cold, and those outside should dress in many layers and cover exposed skin to protect from frostbite.
Long-Term Forecast
Temperatures will finally climb back above freezing by Tuesday, bringing an end to the cold snap. The region is expected to see mostly sunny skies on Tuesday, with highs in the mid-30s. This will be a welcome relief after a weekend of cold and snowy weather. It’s worth noting that this is the second snowstorm to hit the D.C. region in December, the first one occurring just last week, marking the first time the region has seen snow in December since 2017.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the D.C. region is bracing for a significant winter storm, with snow, freezing weather, and possible ice expected this weekend. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including delaying or avoiding travel, dressing warmly, and exercising caution on the roads. Road crews are preparing for the storm, and officials are urging drivers to stay safe and stay informed. With temperatures expected to remain cold throughout the weekend, it’s essential to prioritize safety and take necessary steps to protect oneself from the harsh weather conditions. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, residents can stay safe and weather the storm.