JANUARY 2, 2021
The D.C. area is expected to get 2 to 6 inches of snow Monday—more than previously anticipated—after mild weather Sunday and high temperatures in the 60s.
Storm Team4 is in Weather Alert mode and says to expect a storm Monday that may affect your schedule. D.C. advised residents to plan on slippery road conditions that could snarl the morning commute.
Snowfall is expected to begin early Monday, in the overnight hours, and into about noon.
A winter storm warning will go into effect early Monday in D.C. and many suburbs, including Arlington, Fairfax and Prince George’s counties. A winter weather advisory will go into effect early Monday in parts of Loudoun County; Frederick County, Maryland and Frederick County, Virginia.
After mild weather Sunday, we’ll see rain, sleet and snow in the early hours of Monday, Ryan Miller in the Storm Team4 Weather Center said.
Snow Timing in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
- Midnight to 4 a.m.: a mix of rain, sleet and snow
- 4 to 8 a.m.: periods of heavy snow
- 8 a.m. to noon: an end to the snow
Snow Totals in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
Here is the StormTeam4 SNOW map! This could still change and some areas may see more snow! Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/RWNchLa39F
— Doug Kammerer (@dougkammerer) January 2, 2022
The Storm Team4 snow map shows an estimated 2-4 inches in most of the D.C. metro area, but areas right around the city and even parts of Northwest could see more than 4 inches.
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer says that to the east and in Southern Maryland, 4-6 inches – and possibly closer to 8 inches – of snow could accumulate.
Areas to the west and northwest could see a trace to 2 inches.
After the storm Monday, we’ll see high temperatures in the 40s this week, with sunshine.
School Closures in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
News4 is tracking whether school districts will declare a snow day, close schools or hold classes online.
Montgomery County Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, Falls Church City Public Schools, Manassas Park City Schools, Prince William County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Public Schools and Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be closed due to the weather.
Calvert County Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools will start with a two-hour delay, but the latter will look at a possible closure Monday morning. Frederick County Public Schools will also start two hours late and dismiss students an hour later.
Alexandria City Schools will be closed for in-person learning but students will attend class virtually.
A number of school districts already have either no school or virtual learning planned, unrelated to the snowstorm.
D.C. Public Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday amid a major effort to test every student and staff member. Charles County Public Schools already had virtual learning planned. Fredericksburg City Public Schools, Stafford County Public Schools and Fauquier County Public Schools have professional days for teachers planned, and no school for students.
Road Conditions in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
News4 is tracking what you should know about road conditions in the region.
In D.C., a full deployment of more than 100 snowplows will hit the streets at midnight Monday to treat roads with salt. You can go here to track plows in real time.
Metrobus said it would operate on a severe snow service plan, and so service will be limited to major roads only. Delays and increased wait times are likely, and travel is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Virginia State Police also told residents to plan ahead and stay off the roads during inclement conditions, if possible.
“If you can delay your travel overnight and early Monday, please do until VDOT has an opportunity to treat/clear roadways for safe travel,” a statement from police on Sunday said.
D.C. asked property owners to treat their sidewalks before the storm starts. You can volunteer with the Serve DC Volunteer Snow Team to clear sidewalks for registered seniors and other residents who need help. Volunteers are especially needed in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8, a message from the city said. Go here for info.
The District’s Hypothermia Alert system will be activated at 7 p.m. Sunday. Residents are encouraged to call 311 or 202-399-7093 if they see someone in need of shelter.
The big change in the weather came as a surprise to many.
“I don’t think anybody is ready for this,” News4’s Adam Tuss said amid balmy temperatures Sunday morning.
Courtesy/Source: NBC WDC
