Winter Weather Advisory Issued For NoVA, DC; Icy Monday Commute

WASHINGTON, DC — A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to coat northern Virginia Sunday night and Monday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue winter weather advisories around the region. The winter precipitation is likely to arrive at 7 p.m. Sunday and snarl the Monday morning commute. Virginia transportation officials urge residents to work from home if possible.

The wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain will likely taper off by 10 a.m. Monday in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., according to the National Weather Service. Another round of wintry weather may develop Monday night, potentially causing problems Tuesday morning as well, the weather service advised.

Roads may be slick, with limited visibility.

About an inch of snow and less than one-tenth of an inch of ice are expected Sunday night to Monday morning, according to the winter weather advisory.

The District of Columbia, Warren, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fauquier, Loudoun are under this advisory, effective from 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, to 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews have brined roads, but drivers should prepare now for impacts to the morning rush hour, the agency said in a news release on Sunady. Crews will stage along roads beginning Sunday afternoon.

The VDOT asks drivers to:

• Before leaving, check road conditions along your route at www.511virginia.org, on the free mobile app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
• Be aware of potential for ice, especially on areas prone to freezing such as bridges, ramps and overpasses. If road conditions become hazardous, delay travel to give trucks time to treat roads.
• If you must travel, allow extra time for trips, significantly reduce speeds, brake lightly and allow plenty of following distance. Ensure enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, and an emergency car kit.

During the advisory period, drivers should be extra careful, as snow, sleet and freezing rain could make roads slippery and cause travel complications.

The winter weather does not end Monday.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain could continue Monday night, turning to rain Tuesday morning, affecting Tuesday's commute as well, the National Weather Service advised.

Shifting Temperatures

Sunday Night: A chance of snow between 8pm and 11pm, then rain, snow, and sleet. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday: Rain and sleet, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 36. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night: Rain before 8pm, then rain and sleet between 8pm and 2am, then rain after 2am. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Rain. High near 41. East wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night: Rain before 5am, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday: A chance of snow before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: Showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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Image via Shutterstock, graphics by the National Weather Service