Snow May Bring Travel Difficulties To NoVA, DC Tuesday Evening

WASHINGTON, DC— The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory and special weather statement for DC and Northern Virginia ahead of likely snow Tuesday. Rain, snow and below-freezing temperatures Tuesday evening are expected to make for hazardous driving conditions.

Rain is expected to develop and turn to snow late Tuesday afternoon to evening. Forecasters believe the snow "may be briefly heavy" before ending later in the evening. Snow accumulations are expected to total 1 to 3 inches.

The transition to snow may cause area road conditions to rapidly deteriorate during the Tuesday night commute. Once temperatures drop below freezing Tuesday evening, water or slush on the roads and sidewalks may freeze and create slick road conditions.

The timing of precipitation varies by area. A winter weather advisory is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Fauquier County and Loudoun County. The advisory will be in effect from 3 p.m.-midnight Tuesday in the District of Columbia, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County and Spotsylvania County.

The greatest impact of snowfall to rush hour will happen between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chesapeake Bay, according to the NWS.

"A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties," reads the advisory. "Expect snow covered road and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving."

The Virginia Department of Transportation's Northern Virginia district tweeted that crews are "brining hotspots" Monday and Tuesday. Check statewide road conditions anytime at www.511virginia.org.

-Includes reporting by Patch editor Elizabeth Janney

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch