Icy Roads: Winter Weather Advisory Issued For DC And Suburbs

WASHINGTON, DC — Another round of snow will move into the Washington, DC, area Friday afternoon, setting up what could be a slick and chaotic evening commute, warn weather forecasters. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Baltimore-Washington area from 1 to 7 p.m. The weather service warns drivers heading home from work to plan on slippery road conditions in the District of Columbia, Baltimore and surrounding portions of Maryland and Virginia.

Areas in the winter weather advisory include Washington, D.C., along with Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria, plus nearby Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches are expected. The NWS says light snow will increase across the advisory area Friday afternoon, with conditions turning icy on any untreated road surfaces.

A winter weather advisory means that snow may cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

The communities of Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, and Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George areas are under a Hazardous Weather Outlook on Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service had already issued a special weather statement Thursday warning of the 50 percent chance of hazardous conditions for commuters Friday afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 70 percent chance of snow between 1 and 5 p.m. Friday in the Baltimore-Washington area. While the snowfall will only add up to an inch, weather officials warned commuters 24 hours ahead of time that the affect on traffic could be severe.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Thursday night that warned of the chance of hazardous conditions for commuters Friday afternoon.

"If this threat of light snow on frigid roads does materialize Friday afternoon, the ... rush-hour could quickly turn icy on untreated road surfaces," the weather service said. "This could lead to hazardous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays. If you plan on commuting Friday afternoon, be aware of the possibility of travel disruptions and icy roads. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options."

Road temperatures will be below freezing — the high temperature Friday is likely to be 38 degrees then drop into the 20s — and untreated surfaces may ice over during the afternoon rush, causing crashes, hazards and delays.

Communities in the commuter warning area include: Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, King George, Fauquier, Loudoun, Washington, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Falmouth, Dahlgren, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling.

Weather officials recommend allowing for extra travel time, taking public transportation and using telework options.

AAA offers the following tips for driving in the snow:

Graphics courtesy of the National Weather Service; photo from Shutterstock