Winter Storm Warning Issued
The National Weather Service has announced a Winter Storm Warning for the Washington area, effective from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday. However, the storm’s impact will vary across different neighborhoods. Knowing when the heaviest snowfall and most hazardous ice conditions are expected can assist residents in making informed decisions regarding travel and safety preparations.
Here’s a detailed look at when the weather will be most severe in various parts of the region:
1. Initial Snowfall: Saturday 9-11 p.m.
Light snow is anticipated to begin between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday, starting in southwestern counties and moving northeastward. Accumulations during this period are expected to be minimal (likely just a trace to 1 inch), but it represents the last opportunity for final preparations before conditions worsen after midnight.
2. Heavy Snowfall: Sunday 12-6 a.m.
The storm will reach its peak intensity overnight into Sunday morning across the entire region, with snow falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour during this time frame.
The National Weather Service warns that “snow will likely overspread the area Saturday night, becoming heavy at times.” By sunrise on Sunday, several inches of snow are expected, posing significant risks due to rapidly deteriorating visibility and accumulating snow on roadways.
3. Varying Impacts: Sunday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
This timeframe marks when storm effects will differ significantly by neighborhood. Areas north and west of I-95—such as Frederick, Gaithersburg, Leesburg, and Purcellville—will continue experiencing heavy snowfall with an additional accumulation of 2 to 6 inches during these hours.
Southeast areas like Waldorf, College Park, and Bowie will see snow mixing with sleet late in the morning, which may reduce total snow accumulation but create hazardous road conditions as sleet bounces off already snowy surfaces.
4. Ice Threat Increases: Sunday 1-4 p.m.
The afternoon presents heightened danger for regions along and east of I-95—including downtown Washington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and College Park—as sleet falls with potential freezing rain developing.
The Weather Service cautions that “a mix with sleet or freezing rain is expected,” particularly south of Highway 50 where significant icing could occur.
5. Risk of Power Outages: Sunday 6 p.m.-Monday 2 a.m.
While precipitation intensity diminishes during Sunday evening, this period poses substantial risk for widespread power outages due to accumulated ice and snow weight on trees and power lines combined with any wind gusts that may cause failures.
6. Hazardous Commute: Monday 4-10 a.m.
The heaviest precipitation should conclude by early Monday morning; however, hazardous conditions could still affect commutes as temperatures remain below freezing in the mid-20s—preventing melting or causing refreezing of slush on roads.
