Snow Could Make Evening Commute Dicey In NoVa, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Commutes are always grueling in the Washington, D.C., region, so throw some snow into the mix and the Friday afternoon commute for those in northern Virginia could be more complicated than usual. Winter weather could arrive just as people are hitting the road to head home, so maybe it's a good day to work from home.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50 percent chance of snow between 1 and 5 p.m. Friday in the Baltimore-Washington area. The forecast calls for the possibility of light snow. While the snow may total less than an inch, weather officials were warning 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 50 percent 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 33 to 34 degrees — and untreated surfaces may ice over during the afternoon rush, causing crashes, hazards and delays.

Communities in the 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.

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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:

Image via Shutterstock; graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service.