Arctic Blast Could Bring Heavy Snow To NoVA, 50 MPH Winds Forecast

VIRGINIA — Washington, D.C.-area drivers should prepare for a potentially messy commute Thursday as an arctic cold front is expected to bring heavy snow showers, slick roads and gusty winds to parts of Virginia.

Several weather alerts were in effect Wednesday ahead of the front, which forecasters said will move into the D.C. region around sunrise Thursday.

A wind advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday for central, northern, northwest and western Virginia. According to the National Weather Service, the state will see sustained 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph.

The NWS also released a hazardous weather outlook for Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. According to forecasters, a line of heavy snow showers could move through the area Thursday morning, producing slick road conditions and reduced visibility.

"If this threat materializes, it could lead to travel disruptions during the Thursday morning commute," the NWS said Wednesday. "The threat is greatest along and north of U.S. Highway 50."

Once snow showers clear, Virginians can expect cold winter temperatures to linger through Saturday.

"Overnight lows Thursday night will dip into the lower 20s, with wind chills dropping into the teens by Friday morning," CBS News forecasters said Wednesday. "Highs on Friday will struggle to climb beyond the mid-to-upper 30s. Even colder temperatures are expected Friday night, with many areas seeing lows around 20 degrees by Saturday morning."

Saturday will remain cold, but temperatures are expected to warm and climb into the low 50s on Sunday.

Here's a look at the latest NWS forecast for Northern Virginia:

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 51.