Weather

Weather Hazard For NoVa, DC Commuters Looms Forecasters Warn

Drivers are warned that snow could make roads hazardous during the Wednesday morning rush hour in the Baltimore-Washington area.

Deb Belt's profile picture
Deb Belt, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

WASHINGTON, DC — The Wednesday morning commute for those in the Washington, D.C., area may be more slow and stressful than usual. An inch or two of snow is expected to fall in the region Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday morning, making the area's packed roads slick, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.

There is a 90 percent chance of snow after 8 p.m. Tuesday, with up to 2 inches predicted, and a 60 percent chance of snowfall is called for before noon on Wednesday. The high temperature that day is likely to be 30 degrees, so the snow that falls will generally accumulate. While the snow may total only a couple inches, weather officials warn the effect on DC and northern Virginia traffic could be severe.

"If this threat does materialize during the Wednesday morning rush-hour, many roads could quickly turn icy," the National Weather Service says. "This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service issued the special weather statement Monday afternoon warning of the snowfall that could create hazardous conditions for commuters on Wednesday. The advisory applies to Washington, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling. Much of Maryland from Bel Air to Baltimore, Annapolis and Montgomery County is also under the same advistory.

Road temperatures will be below freezing and untreated surfaces may ice over during the morning rush, causing crashes, hazards and delays.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather officials recommend allowing for extra travel time, taking public transportation and using telework options, according to the special weather statement.

AAA offers these tips for driving in the snow:

  • Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
  • Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
  • Increase following distance from 3 to 4 to 8 to 10 seconds.
  • Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
  • Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get a little inertia going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.

    • SIGN UP: For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.

    Image via Shutterstock

    Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

    More from Arlington