NoVA Weather: Friday AM Snow, Sleet Bring Winter Weather Advisory

WASHINGTON, DC — Snow is forecast to move into northern Virginia Thursday night and could make the Friday morning commute a slick one, with up to 4 inches of snow expected. As snow is projected to materialize during the morning rush hour, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Baltimore-Washington region. And state transportation officials are already urging residents to work from home if they can telecommute.

"If you plan on commuting Friday morning, be aware of the potential for travel disruptions," the special weather statement said. "Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options."

Snow will begin overnight and taper off after sunrise on Friday, March 1, according to the National Weather Service. Snow will mix with sleet early Friday morning, forecasters said. The winter weather advisory takes effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and runs until 10 a.m. Friday.

Here are the snowfall amounts that are forecast:

• 1 to 2 inches of snow along I-66 corridor
• 2 to 4 inches of snow north of Washington, DC

Frederick and Montgomery counties in Maryland and Loudoun County in Virginia are likely to see the highest accumulations, according to the National Weather Service.

"The greatest threat for impact from this snowfall during the Friday morning rush hour will be north of the Capital Beltway Interstate 495," weather officials stated.

Areas expected to see snowfall include: the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fauquier, Loudoun, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Falls Church, Warrenton, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn and Sterling.

Virginia Department of Transportation officials say that DOT asks that drivers be alert for up to several inches of snow and sleet that will impact roads tonight through Friday morning, as well as potential for wintry weekend weather.

Crews are pre-treating roads Thursday which will help when snow begins, but drivers are asked to prepare now for impacts to the morning rush hour. Crews will begin staging along roads Thursday night.

VDOT Asks Drivers To:

• Closely monitor weather, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.

• Make plans now to telework or delay travel Friday morning until conditions have improved. Give crews time to plow and treat roads.

• While driving during winter weather is not advised, if you must, allow extra time for trips, significantly reduce speeds, brake lightly and allow plenty of following distance. Ensure enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, and an emergency car kit.

• Be aware of potential for ice, especially areas prone to freezing such as bridges, ramps and overpasses. If road conditions become hazardous, delay travel for your safety and to give trucks time to treat roads.

• Before leaving, check road conditions along your route at www.511virginia.org, on the free mobile app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.

The National Weather Service says during a winter weather advisory periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will make travel difficult. Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. Watch your first few steps going outdoors, on sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

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There is another slight winter storm threat Sunday night into Monday morning, mainly west of Interstate 95. If the storm materializes, it may disrupt travel, the weather service said.

Here's a look at what to expect from the weather, courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 1am, then snow between 1am and 4am, then snow and sleet after 4am. Low around 32. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Friday: Snow and sleet before 10am, then a chance of rain, snow, and sleet between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. High near 38. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Rain before 1am, then rain and snow likely. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.