NoVA Drivers Asked To Stay Home, Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued

WASHINGTON, DC — Virginia transportations officials asked drivers to stay off the roads Sunday afternoon and evening as a mix of rain, sleet and snow moves across the Washington, D.C., region.The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook predicting a mix of rain, sleet and snow in Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia on Sunday, March 3. In western Loudon County, up to 8 inches of snow could fall.

Look for a wintry mix of rain and snow through 4 p.m. Sunday, then a mix of rain, snow, and sleet in the evening with a total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch in the outlook area. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 41 degrees on Sunday. However, temperatures will drop below freezing after midnight Sunday, and roads may become icy for the Monday morning commute, the weather service says. Rain and sleet may fall before 1 a.m., then a chance of snow between 1 and 4 a.m.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 4 a.m. for western Loudon County, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected. Snow will be heaviest between 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday, with snowfall rates around one inch per hour expected.

"Avoid unneccessary travel during snow and freezing rain, and remain off of snow-covered or icy roads," the Virginia Department of Transportation said. "Delaying travel gives crews and equipment space to treat roads and to plow snow or slush from travel lanes. ... Make plans now to telework or delay travel Monday morning until conditions have improved."

Areas likely to see the wintry mix include: the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Falmouth, and Fredericksburg.

Drivers traveling to areas west Sunday on Interstate 66 and Interstate 70, and areas north on Interstate 270 and Interstate 83, should be aware that Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for these locations immediately north and west of Washington DC. Travel disruptions in these areas are likely.

Here's the latest forecast from the NWS:

Sunday Night: Rain and sleet before 1am, then a chance of snow between 1am and 4am. Low around 32. Northeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 31.

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