Introduction
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A winter storm warning is now in effect for parts of Maryland and Virginia.
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Rain is expected to turn to snow Sunday night.
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Travel impacts may be on commute times from Sunday evening into Monday morning.
washington d.c. – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Washington, D.C., amid growing confidence that accumulating snow will impact the area Sunday night into Monday.
Warning takes effect
The National Weather Service has released winter storm warning Applicable to the following areas:
Some surrounding counties are still under control winter storm watchmeaning confidence in exact snowfall totals is still in flux.
A winter storm warning means heavy snow accumulation is expected and hazardous travel conditions are possible.
Maryland State of Readiness
Late Saturday night, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of the storm.
“In declaring a state of preparedness for Maryland, I directed the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate state preparedness efforts ahead of the upcoming winter storm,” Moore said. “The safety of Maryland families comes first. I urge residents to prepare early, stay informed and adjust plans, including postponing travel as conditions change.”
what we know
A coastal storm is expected to move up the East Coast on Sunday, bringing precipitation to the mid-Atlantic.
Transition from rain to snow
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Rain is expected to begin Saturday night and change to a mix of rain and snow by Sunday morning.
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Temperatures will initially be above freezing over much of the region.
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Rain is expected to turn to snow Sunday night as cold air blows in from the northwest.
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The heaviest snow accumulation will occur Sunday into Monday night.
With warm ground temperatures, little accumulation is expected during the first half of Sunday.
total snowfall
Current forecasts indicate:
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Washington, DC: In the most likely case, probably about 3-6 inches.
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Northern Maryland: Totals are likely to be higher, especially in the north and east of the metro area.
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Northern Virginia: 3-6 inches possible, with lower totals to the south and west.
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East Coast: Snow is more likely, but totals vary by track.
Snow is expected to fall mainly Sunday night into early Monday.
Wind and other effects
Northeasterly winds will increase Sunday night into Monday.
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Inland wind gusts may reach 30-40 mph.
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Stronger wind gusts are possible near the Chesapeake Bay and open water.
During peak snowfall, blowing snow and reduced visibility can create hazardous driving conditions.
virginia influence
In Virginia, the highest chances of snowfall are concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the state, including:
These areas may have a buildup of 2-6 inches.
Farther south and west in central Virginia, lower rainfall totals are expected, with up to 2 inches of dust falling in some areas, depending on how quickly the rain turns to snow.
A wind warning has been issued for the Chesapeake Bay and inshore coastal waters Sunday night into early Monday afternoon, with northerly winds expected to increase to 25-35 knots and gusts to 40-45 knots.
maryland impact
Across Maryland:
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The east coast has the highest chance of snow accumulation.
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Areas in northern and eastern Washington are more likely to see higher totals.
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Western Maryland could see some snow, but may miss the biggest bands.
A winter storm warning has been issued for some areas where five inches or more of snow could accumulate.
Minor tidal flooding is possible at some Maryland beaches late Sunday night into early Monday, with up to a foot of inundation in vulnerable areas.
timeline
According to the National Weather Service:
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Sunday morning: Rainfall moves into the area. Temperatures are still above freezing in most places.
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Sunday afternoon: The rain continues. Cooler air begins to filter in from the northwest.
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Sunday night: Rain turns to snow from north to south. After sunset, accumulation is more likely.
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Sunday night: The most widespread snow accumulation is expected across the Washington area.
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Monday morning commute: Snow accumulation on roads and reduced visibility may cause travel disruptions.
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Monday afternoon: The storm recedes. The snow gradually turned into light snow. Temperatures rise above freezing, aiding melting.
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what we don’t know
Exact snowfall totals remain uncertain.
A temperature difference of just a few degrees can significantly affect accumulation.
The strength and path of coastal storms will determine how far to the west the heavier snow band extends.
Washington, D.C.’s hurricane total could be higher if the storm moves closer to the coastline and intensifies. If it remains weak or further offshore, amounts may remain lower.
Why you should care
Even light snow Sunday night could disrupt Monday morning’s commute.
Unlike January’s deep freeze, warmer temperatures next week should help melt the snowpack more quickly, limiting long-term impacts.
As confidence grows, residents are encouraged to monitor the latest weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Join FOX 5’s professional meteorologists live on FOX LOCAL to learn about the snowfall. We’re live streaming the latest forecasts, snow potential and preparation tips ahead of the storm and throughout the weekend non-stop. Download Fox Local Get 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.
source
This article was written using forecast information from Fox Weather and the National Weather Service.
