Winter Storm Watch Issued For DC, NoVA; Updated Snowfall Estimate

WASHINGTON, DC — Updated forecasts show a winter storm could bring 5 inches of snow, along with some ice, to parts of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., this weekend, weather forecasters say. Travel could be very difficult, the National Weather Service said Friday afternoon.

The agency issued a winter storm watch for the District of Columbia, and portions of central and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia. The watch begins at 1 a.m. Jan. 31 and run until 1 a.m. Feb. 1.

There is an enhanced winter storm threat for Sunday and Sunday night, with a slight winter storm threat Monday and Monday night, the weather service said.

Communities in the hazardous weather outlook include: the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Loudoun.

Heavy snow possible in some areas, with the potential for 5 or more inches of snow from Saturday night to Sunday night. That will likely be followed on Monday by freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow and sleet before 11 a.m., then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain between 11 a.m. and noon, then snow, possibly mixed with rain after noon.

Snow will start after 4 a.m. Saturday night, then snow possibly mixed with freezing rain are expected through Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service said. On Sunday night watch for freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow and sleet, which will linger into Monday morning.

"By Sunday evening, 3 or 4 inches of snow is a reasonable first estimate for most of the immediate area," wrote The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. "As (Sunday) night wears on, the question becomes: how will the Midwest storm transfer its energy to a new low-pressure system forming near the Mid-Atlantic coast? If the coastal low takes over quickly, we could see snow or a wintry mix redevelop.

"Snow or mixed precipitation is a good bet Monday, although coverage and intensity of precipitation is a wild card. New snow accumulation may occur, perhaps adding significantly to storm totals in some spots, especially north of the District," the Capital Weather Gang said.

The storm has the potential for heavy snow to fall in parts of the central Appalachians, mid-Atlantic and New England, according to AccuWeather.

It remains to be seen whether the region will be hit by modest total snow accumulations, several inches of snow, or receive heavy snowfall, said AAA Mid-Atlantic, but road conditions could become hazardous.

“Snow, freezing rain and black ice can snarl traffic and delay flights, and can also lead to accidents and traffic fatalities,” warns the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As AccuWeather Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said, it’s time for people residents in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C., should “buckle up” for some harsh winter weather.

In much of the mid-Atlantic, the storm is expected to extend from Sunday to Tuesday, AccuWeather predicted.

"At this early stage, it appears that areas along Interstate 95 from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore and Philadelphia will probably pick up at least a few inches of snow," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist John Feerick said Friday.

So far it's been a largely dry winter in the DC/northern Virginia region; only 0.3 of an inch of snow has fallen in the city, AccuWeather said. By Jan. 28, the normal snowfall is 7.5 inches in DC.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday night: A chance of snow, mainly after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Snow before 5pm, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain. High near 33. East wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Sunday night: Snow and freezing rain before 8pm, then freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow and sleet. Low around 31. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday: Freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow and sleet before 11am, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain between 11am and noon, then snow, possibly mixed with rain after noon. High near 35. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday night: Snow, possibly mixed with rain before 1am, then a chance of snow. Low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday: A chance of snow before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

“Ahead of the strongest wintry storm of the winter months, we encourage anyone with a car battery more than three years old to get it checked as temperatures drop,” said James Moore, Manager, AAA Car Care Center, Fairfax, in a news release. “As to venturing out, the best advice is to stay put until snow crews have worked their magic and road conditions improve. If you must drive, do so with caution, slow down, and increase following distances to at least 10 seconds to allow enough margin of safety between you and other drivers.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic offers these winter driving tips:

• Plan ahead. If road conditions become treacherous, delay travel and give road crews time to clear or treat roadways and interstate lanes.
• See and be seen: Remove snow/ice from the hood, roof, trunk, lights, windows and mirrors.
• Slow down and give yourself more room: Increase following distance to at least 10 seconds.
• Buckle up: Every passenger (including pets) should be properly restrained.
• Put down the phone: Eliminate all distractions while driving, including phones and other electronic devices.
• Drive in cleared lanes. Changing lanes unnecessarily puts you at greater risk of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Accelerate gently: If tires lose grip and start to spin, let off on the accelerator.
• Pay close attention on hills: When approaching a hill watch how other drivers are responding and keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you so that you will not have to slow down or stop. Once you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed as slowly as possible.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes: A skid can occur when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock. Should a skid occur, remain calm and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
• Turn off cruise control: Avoid using cruise control when driving in wet or icy conditions.
• Move Over: Remember the “Move Over” law when first responders, waste collection workers and emergency roadside assistance workers are assisting drivers along multi-lane roadways.

Get Your Car Winter Ready
Harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers. AAA recommends that drivers check these systems:

• Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather.
• Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.
• Engine: Have any engine problems corrected at a repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.
• Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.
• Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
• Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.
• Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
• Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.

Pack a Vehicle Emergency Kit

Drivers should prepare a winter emergency kit now and stow it in the trunk of their vehicle. The emergency kit should include:

• Fully charged mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger.
• Bottled water.
• First-aid kit.
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers.
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats.
• Snow shovel.
• Blankets.
• Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves).
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Window washer solvent.
• Ice scraper with brush.
• Cloth or roll of paper towels.
• Jumper cables.
• Warning devices (flares or triangles).
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).