Winter Storm Watch in DC Area: calling for snow, ice and high winds Sunday into Monday

A winter storm watch has been issued in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia calling for snow, ice, and high winds as the region braces for accumulating snow and ice Sunday into Monday.

The National Weather Service has expanded a winter storm watch for the entire D.C. region, calling for snow, ice, and high winds Sunday into Monday.

A winter storm watch will be in effect for D.C. and suburbs west of I-95 including parts of Montgomery County, Frederick County, Maryland, and much of Northern Virginia.

The watch is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday and now includes Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford, and Culpeper.

For areas near and east of Interstate 95, snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are most likely, with up to 5 inches possible, the weather service said. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are also possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

For the western suburbs, heavy snow with mixed precipitation is possible, with snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and possibly up to 8 inches. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

The watch is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday and now includes Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford and Culpeper.

For the western suburbs, heavy snow with mixed precipitation is possible, with snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and possibly up to 8 inches. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency to allow quick coordination in response to snow, noting that parts of the state are still recovering after the Jan. 3 snowstorm that left a foot or more of snow in some areas.

“The current forecast indicates a significant winter storm with snow starting in Virginia Saturday evening, and an all-day snow event Sunday. Accumulating snow of more than 6 inches will cause dangerous travel conditions Sunday. Those with travel plans are encouraged to monitor forecasts for their entire route and exercise sound judgment before starting their trip. Travel on Sunday is not advised,” the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said.

VDOT urged motorists to return early, prior to the storm, or delay travel until roadways are safe after the storm.

Key reminders:

Plan travel around the storm
If snow or ice is on the road, conditions are hazardous
If you must travel:
Review forecasts along the entire route
Check road conditions along travel route at 511Virginia.org
Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
Do not pass snowplows
Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.
For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

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