A significant winter storm is impacting the D.C. area, with snow beginning to fall on Sunday afternoon after a day of rain. Though initial snowfall isn’t accumulating much in the metropolitan area, forecasts indicate that conditions will worsen, leading to challenging travel later in the evening as temperatures drop.
Residents are advised to exercise caution while driving, as snow accumulation is expected to increase rapidly after sunset. In preparation for the storm, several school districts, including those in D.C., Alexandria, and Prince George’s County, have announced two-hour delays for Monday, with some districts also implementing closures. Montgomery County, Charles County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Arlington County are among those that will not hold classes on Monday.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has deployed the District Snow Team to treat major roadways, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of preparedness, urging the public to avoid travel whenever possible. The storm has put 63 million people across the country under a variety of weather alerts, reflecting its widespread impact.
Flight cancellations have been widespread, with multiple flights in and out of the D.C. area affected, as reported by FlightAware. Federal offices in the area will also open on a two-hour delay, with employees given the option for unscheduled leave or telework.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for several Maryland counties, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Frederick, Howard, and St. Mary’s. In Virginia, Clarke, Fauquier, and Loudoun counties are under the advisory. A blizzard warning is in effect for coastal areas impacting a significant population across parts of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York.
Despite the severity of the storm, there’s a silver lining as warmer temperatures are expected to follow. By Monday afternoon, forecasts suggest that temperatures will rise to the upper 30s, with expected highs reaching the 50s later in the week, which should help melt any remaining snow.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest forecasts from Storm Team4 and to download the NBC Washington app for immediate weather alerts. The community is reminded to stay safe as they navigate the winter weather conditions.