Traffic Jams, Fatality, Outages Reported As Snow Hits NoVA, DC

VIRGINIA — As snow began to accumulate in Northern Virginia and DC, so did the traffic backups and power outages Tuesday afternoon. One traffic death has been reported near the immediate DC region.

DC and Northern Virginia drivers saw hazardous conditions and busier roads as residents left school and work early. The fatal crash in Fauquier County involved a special education school bus and car, according to Fauquier Now. The car driver died, while the bus driver was injured and the student on the bus wasn't hurt.

AAA Mid-Atlantic warned that commute times could double and the first snow of the year increases the likelihood of crashes. The federal government's Office of Personnel Management dismissed employees at 1 p.m., while schools in the region had early dismissals or cancelled altogether. According to AAA, the region's 361,009 federal workers and more than 400,000 contracted workers are spread out throughout the region, so all major roadways and freeways will be impacted by the earlier rush hour.

"Expect snow covered and slippery roads, and then expect the unexpected. So take it slow – with stopping distances 10 times longer, gentle maneuvers are the key to safe driving in snow and ice," said John Townsend II, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Drivers braving the first snow of 2020 should remain cautious and slow down to keep from being in a crash during the earlier than usual afternoon rush hour."

In Fairfax County, police reported delays in Clifton on Kincheloe Road between Yates Ford Road and Clifton Road. Numerous disabled vehicles and crashes were identified on the road, police say.

Here are other snapshots of the traffic conditions in the region:

WTOP traffic reporter Dave Dildine tweeted that early dismissals from work and school are conflicting with curb lane parking restrictions, lane reversal and other factors. He noted that toll prices reached $60 on the 395 and 95 Express Lanes for a trip between DC and Stafford County.

Power outages are affecting some areas with over 960 Dominion Energy customers out at 4:20 p.m., according to an outage map. More than 3,500 outages were reported around the Alexandria-Arlington County border. A portion of Mount Vernon has over 500 customers without power.

The National Weather Service anticipates the heaviest snow will continue to 6 p.m., Parts of Northern Virginia will receive 1 to 3 inches. Snow-covered roads, slippery conditions and visibility around a half mile at times will impact commuters.

For real time traffic information, visit 511virginia.org or wtop.com/traffic.