Snow Expected Under Winter Weather Advisory For NoVa, DC

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory as one to two inches of snow is expected to cover Northern Virginia and DC beginning Tuesday night.

Forecasters say light snow has started in parts of northern and western Maryland. The snow will make its way east Tuesday, materializing midday west of I-81 in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia and western Maryland before reaching DC overnight into Wednesday. The heaviest amount of snow for NoVa and DC would come from midnight to 6 a.m.

The advisory applies to the District of Columbia, Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County and Loudoun County.

While accumulations may only be around an inch, forecasters warn of an impact on roads. Temperatures could remain below freezing Wednesday with a projected high of 30. Untreated surfaces may ice over during the morning rush, and commuters should expect slippery road conditions and limited visibility Wednesday morning along the I-95 corridor. Drivers are cautioned to drive slowly and add time onto their trips.

Crews have begun treating roads ahead of the storm. Call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org for the latest road conditions during the storm. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

AAA offers these tips for driving in the snow:

• Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
• Increase following distance from 3 to 4 to 8 to 10 seconds.
• Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
• Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get a little inertia going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.

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