Brace yourself, folks, because the DC region is about to experience a winter wonderland, but it's not all fun and games! After the season's first snowfall, a new challenge awaits us.
Winter's Icy Grip: Beyond the Snowfall
The DC region woke up to a wintery scene on Friday, with snowfall ranging from 1 to 3 inches across the area. This marked the first measurable snowfall in December since 2017, a rare treat for locals. But here's where it gets controversial...
As the sun sets on Friday, the weather takes a turn. Freezing fog and rain are expected to coat the region, creating a thin layer of ice. And this is the part most people miss - the potential dangers that lie ahead.
According to the National Weather Service, wet spots from the earlier snowfall could refreeze, creating hazardous driving conditions. Meteorologist Mark Peña warns, "Driving conditions could be really treacherous overnight."
A winter weather advisory has been issued for the DC area, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday and lasting until 1 a.m. on Saturday. The forecast predicts temperatures in the 20s, meaning the snow will stick around and potentially refreeze.
"Be safe, drive slow and careful," advises Warnique West, a snow coordinator with the DC Department of Public Works.
The impact of this wintery weather is already being felt. Road conditions on Friday were affected, leading to delays and cancellations of classes in many school systems.
A Look at the Snowfall
The first snow of the season arrived early on Friday morning, thanks to a surge of cold air the night before. While winter officially starts in a few weeks, this early snowfall is a reminder of the season's unpredictability.
Here's a breakdown of the unofficial snow totals from around the DC region, as reported by the National Weather Service:
- La Plata, Maryland: 3 inches (as of 2:30 p.m.)
- Fair Oaks, Virginia: 2 inches (as of 12:49 p.m.)
- Culpeper County, Virginia: 2 inches (as of 3 p.m.)
- Catholic University, DC: 1.8 inches (as of 2:14 p.m.)
- Rosslyn, Virginia: 1.7 inches (as of 11 a.m.)
- Gaithersburg, Maryland: 1.5 inches (as of 11:28 a.m.)
- Aspen Hill, Maryland: 1.5 inches (as of 12:45 p.m.)
- Upper Marlboro, Maryland: 1.4 inches (as of 2:30 p.m.)
- American University, DC: 1.1 inches (as of 11 a.m.)
- Stafford, Virginia: 3 inches (as of 11:55 a.m.)
- Reagan National Airport, Virginia: 1.1 inches (as of 10 a.m.)
- Dulles International Airport, Virginia: 1.1 inches (as of 10:12 a.m.)
- Laurel, Maryland: 1 inch (as of noon)
Staying Safe on the Roads
With the snow and potential ice, driving conditions have been a concern. In Maryland, delays and crashes were reported on Interstate 270, and in Virginia, crashes were reported in Fairfax and Prince William counties.
WTOP Traffic Reporter Reada Kessler advises, "With the snow in the area, you got to keep those speeds down."
Alex Liggitt, communications manager with Virginia's Department of Transportation, emphasizes the importance of driving cautiously and limiting time on the roads if possible.
If you spot icy roads in Virginia, you can report the condition through VDOT's website. DC residents can call 311 to report icy spots that need salting.
Looking Ahead
The National Weather Service predicts a dry and seasonably cool weekend, with high pressure moving in. Officials believe road conditions should return to normal by Saturday.
Saturday will bring a mix of clouds and sun, with temperatures in the low 40s. Light winds are expected across the region. However, another weather system is expected to arrive on Sunday night, bringing colder air.
So, DC residents, stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the winter wonderland (responsibly)!
Resources:
- WTOP Online: https://wtop.com/
- Traffic Conditions: https://wtop.com/traffic/
- Weather Forecast: https://wtop.com/weather/
- Closings and Delays: https://wtop.com/closings-and-delays/
- Sign up for WTOP Alerts: https://wtop.com/alerts/
- WTOP App for Apple and Android
Contributors:
- Ciara Wells, WTOP
- Jessica Kronzer, WTOP
- Gaby Arancibia, WTOP
Author Bios:
- Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in 2021, with a passion for covering politics, advocacy, and human-interest stories.
- Gaby Arancibia joins WTOP from Sputnik News, where she worked her way up to senior editor, focusing on social media and writing.
