NoVA, DC Under Winter Weather Advisory, Driving Tips

WASHINGTON, DC — With the largest snowstorm in two years predicted to leave snow across a large swath of Virginia and the District of Columbia, officials urged commuters to stay home. Snowfall estimates decreased Sunday night as winter storm warnings were canceled and winter weather advisories issued instead until Monday morning.

All Prince William County Public Schools, offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 1. All Loudoun County Public Schools and administrative offices are closed Monday, and all distance-learning classes are canceled.

In Fairfax County Public School schedules, all students will participate in virtual learning Monday.

All Fredicksburg City Public School will be closed Monday, Feb. 1. Stafford County Public Schools buildings will be closed, and all Spotsylvania County Public Schools and buildings will be closed on Monday.

Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch and about one-tenth of an inch of ice is predicted in western Loudoun County by Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday there.

In Stafford, Spotsylvania and Fauquier counties, a winter weather advisory is also in effect until 10 a.m. Monday. Light mixed precipitation with up to a tenth of an inch of ice are expected.

And in the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and eastern Loudoun County snowfall estimates have been trimmed to a light mix of precipitation with up to one inch of snow and a tenth of an inch of ice.

A winter weather advisory is also in effect until 10 a.m. Monday in those areas.

On Monday, Metrobus will operate on a moderate snow plan. Service on some routes will be suspended and detours will be in effect on some routes to avoid areas prone to hazardous conditions such as hilly terrain and narrow streets. Click here to see how your travel may be affected.

Metrorail service is expected to operate on a regular weekday schedule. Metro personnel will continually work to clear station platforms, walkways, and parking areas. Minor delays are possible due to de-icer trains running between passenger trains throughout the system.

Virginia State Police ask residents to delay travel until later Monday or even possibly Tuesday, depending on what their region has experienced in the way of snow, freezing rain, and ice.

From 12 a.m. through 9 p.m. Sunday, Virginia State Police have responded to 362 traffic crashes and 321 disabled/stuck vehicles. The majority of the traffic crashes have involved only damage to vehicles and few serious injuries.

Wintry precipitation will fall off and on through Tuesday in the region. Here's the latest forecast:

• Sunday night: Freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all freezing rain after 11pm. Low around 29. North wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime ice accumulation of around a 0.1 of an inch possible. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Monday: Snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain, becoming all snow after 11am. High near 31. North wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
• Monday night: Snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain, becoming all snow after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 29. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Tuesday: A chance of snow before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

"The steadiest snow will fall through (Sunday) afternoon before tapering off to an intermittent mix of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain," the National Weather Service said.

Area officials asked residents and drivers to avoid traveling Sunday and Monday across the Washington metro region.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews are treating and will plow snow as it accumulates on roads in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties (and interstates and primary roads in Arlington) throughout the storm.

With more than 3,000 pieces of equipment, crews will work around the clock on state-maintained roads, focusing on roads that carry the most traffic first, the VDOT said in a new release. These include interstates, primary roads, and routes connecting public safety and emergency services. Crews can then focus on neighborhoods and lower-volume roads.

The VDOT has these winter weather tips:

• Stay home and avoid driving throughout the storm. Should the higher end of forecasts materialize, it will take some time to make a passable lane on all roads.
• Park in driveways or a single side of the street to allow a wider path for plows.
• View tips on shoveling driveways, as the plows will push some snow back. Take frequent breaks, especially when shoveling heavy, wet snow.
• If you absolutely must travel, completely clear your car, reduce speeds significantly and use these winter driving tips. Use extreme caution on areas prone to freezing such as bridges, ramps and overpasses. Be prepared with gas and wiper fluid tanks and an emergency kit.
• Monitor road conditions and traffic cameras from home on www.511virginia.org, on the free mobile app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
• Follow @vadotnova and @NWS_BaltWash for real-time updates. Learn more about snow removal at virginiadot.org/snow and see stats for Northern Virginia.

AAA's Tips On How To Drive Safely In Winter Conditions:

• To defrost your windows, set the temperature control to hot and let the engine warm up, which helps keep frost from forming inside.
• If the windshield and side windows fog on the inside, open a window slightly and set the fan to a higher speed.
• During snow or other low-visibility winter driving conditions, drive with your low-beam headlights on to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• As you would before any drive, adjust your seat so that you are no closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel and you can clearly see the road.
• Brake, accelerate and steer gently, gradually and smoothly.
• Watch the traffic ahead of you. Slow down immediately – but again, moderately – at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency lights.
• Put down your phone. Do not send or read text messages, or engage in other distracting behavior.
• If you encounter a snowplow or salt trucks, allow plenty of space and don’t try to pass.
• Clean your headlight lenses periodically, such as when you stop for gas, to remove grime from slushy streets. Clear any snow and ice from your vehicle as well, as it can fly off and strike other vehicles.
• Never travel at speeds that aren’t reasonable and safe for conditions.
• Be cautious at intersections, where stopping and starting vehicles can polish the ice, making it slicker.
• Be visible if you get stranded or stuck. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is prepared for safe travel.
• Make sure your gas tank is full, or at least make full, to avoid running out of gas, or a frozen gas line, or potential gas station lines.
• Check the tread on your tires and replace them if necessary.

If you get stranded or stuck in the snow:

• Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.