D.C. Area Braces for Major Winter Storm With Heavy Snowfall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A major winter storm is set to hit the Washington, D.C. area starting Tuesday afternoon, with forecasters predicting significant snowfall lasting into the early hours of Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for much of the region, beginning at 1 p.m. and extending until 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

The storm is expected to bring between 4 to 6 inches of snow, with some areas potentially receiving more. According to the NWS, accumulation is likely to begin around noon Tuesday, leading to difficult travel conditions during the evening commute.

“The heavy snow will combine with falling temperatures and rapidly stick on all surfaces during the evening commute. If you are traveling, drive slowly and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you,” the NWS advised in an updated forecast.

By 2 p.m. Tuesday, light snow was already falling in the metro area, with forecasts indicating that the snowfall could reach rates of up to 2 inches per hour as the storm intensifies between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. Wednesday. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, as road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly.

The impending storm has prompted several school districts to announce closures, with Prince George’s County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and schools in Frederick, Md., already declaring full closures for Tuesday, Feb. 11, while additional announcements likely will follow.

The District’s snow team is prepared, with over 200 snow plows positioned to clear major roadways and neighborhood streets. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declared a snow emergency effective as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, warning motorists that vehicles parked on designated snow emergency routes could be towed.

Furthermore, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency to prepare for possible impacts to roadways and public infrastructure. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been treating roads in advance of the storm, utilizing about 2,700 pieces of equipment across Northern Virginia.

“We’re certain there are going to be a fair amount of delays on Wednesday morning,” said VDOT spokesman Alex Liggitt, urging residents to stay home if possible.

In addition to snow, temperatures in the D.C. area are expected to remain in the mid to upper 30s, and winds will be blowing at speeds of 5 to 10 mph. After snow accumulation, the area is likely to experience a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain before transitioning to rain overnight.

Metro area residents are encouraged to submit their snow day photos through the WTOP News app. The district continues to prepare for significant weather challenges as conditions evolve.

As the forecast calls for lingering showers into Thursday, early predictions indicate temperatures will rise into the 40s, prompting a gradual end to winter precipitation.