Washington D.C. Experiences First Snowfall of the Season Amid Winter Storm Warnings

Washington, D.C. witnessed its first snowflakes of the season on Friday, as a storm system traversed the region, bringing significant snowfall to areas north and west of the city. Around 10:30 a.m., light snow flurries began to descend upon the District, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and surrounding areas. In contrast, heavier snowfall was reported west of the city, notably in Frederick, Maryland.

According to meteorologist Tucker Barnes from FOX 5, while the snow in Washington, D.C. was short-lived, with temperatures remaining in the 40s, regions further away experienced more substantial accumulations. Western Maryland, particularly, was predicted to see up to a foot of snow. The initial snowflakes were expected to transition to a cold rain by the afternoon, with minimal accumulation anticipated in the District itself.

Winter storm warnings were issued for several counties including Garrett County in Maryland, Western Highland County in Virginia, and regions in West Virginia such as Western Grant and Western Pendleton Counties. The National Weather Service indicated the potential for heavy snow in these regions, with six to 12 inches of accumulation possible and even higher amounts along the ridgetops. Gusts of wind reaching up to 50 mph were also expected, with the potential to create hazardous whiteout conditions.

The storm brought concerns for travel safety, with predictions of slick roads, especially on bridges and overpasses in the affected areas. Due to falling and blowing snow, visibility could drop below a quarter of a mile, posing significant challenges for drivers. The National Weather Service warned that these conditions could severely impact evening commutes, with additional risks from gusty winds potentially downing tree branches.

Back in the immediate D.C. area, the precipitation was forecasted to switch from snow to a period of freezing rain or drizzle late Friday into Saturday morning. Cooler weather was set to continue into the weekend, with temperatures rising to the 50s accompanied by mostly sunny skies. The following week expected to start dry with a chance of showers near Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, Amelia Draper, a meteorologist from Storm Team4, emphasized the unusually cold conditions for this time of year, forecasting that the day would feel more like January than November. She advised that residents prepare for mid-20s and 30s wind chills, marking the coldest day since mid-February. Both Draper and her colleague, Chuck Bell, urged the public to prepare for inclement weather by donning waterproof winter apparel.