Winter Storm Advisory With Snow, Wintry Mix Possible In NoVA

VIRGINIA — The first winter storm of the season could impact the Northern Virginia region on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for some localities from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday. A winter storm warning was issued for Loudoun County and localities west of the immediate DC region from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday.

The winter storm warning for western Loudoun County could bring heavy mixed precipitation. Forecasters expect 6 to 12 inches of snow and sleet east of the Blue Ridge mountains. Eastern Loudoun could get 3 to 6 inches of snow and sleet with ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch.

The winter weather advisory applies to Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park and Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. Forecasters downgraded the expectations for snow, now saying snow and sleet accumulations could be between 1 to 3 inches with one-tenth of an inch of ice. Snow will impact the region from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., changing to sleet and freezing rain in the mid-afternoon.

Alexandria, Arlington County, the District of Columbia and Falls Church were added to the winter weather advisory. Forecasters expect snow and sleet accumulations and a possible light glaze of ice on elevated surfaces.

Fairfax County's emergency management department is expecting snowfall amounts to vary in different parts of the county.

"The I-95 corridor seems to be right on the freezing line, which could mean the northwest sections of the county would receive higher amounts than southeast Fairfax County," reads a Tuesday update on the county's emergency information blog. "Snow totals for Fairfax County could drastically vary and be anywhere from an inch to 6 inches, with the strong snow total gradient still existing in neighboring counties."

For localities in the winter storm watch area, the NWS says travel could be difficult with potential impacts of travel delays and closures. For the winter storm warning area, travel will be difficult to impossible. Families are urged to plan ahead for potential storm impacts.

Follow the NWS for the latest weather alerts at www.weather.gov/lwx. For tips on preparing for winter weather, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency management website at www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather.