Winter Commuting Hazard Issued For VA With Snow In Forecast

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Weather Service has issued a winter commuting hazard for the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region since snow is possible Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said the commuting hazard for the metros also extends to Northern Virginia, plus northeast and southern Maryland.

Forecasters said there is a chance of snow or snow flurries off and on from Tuesday night through New Year's Day. Temperatures will be cold for the rest of the week, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s and overnight lows in the mid-to low 20s.

"There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Wednesday morning commute," the National Weather Service office said. "A period of light snow is possible (a 30 percent chance) Wednesday morning across the Baltimore/Washington metro areas, as well as northeast and southern Maryland, with a light coating of snow accumulation possible on area roads."

Cities and counties included in the hazard alert are: the District of Columbia, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Falls Church, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, and Montclair.

If snow falls during the Wednesday morning rush-hour, many roads could quickly turn icy. "This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays," the agency said.

"If commuting Wednesday morning, be aware of the POSSIBILITY of significant travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework
options," the NWS alert said.

Here's the latest Northern Virginia weather forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday Night: A chance of flurries between midnight and 1am, then a chance of snow or flurries after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A chance of snow or flurries before 7am, then a chance of flurries between 7am and 11am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of flurries after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

New Year's Day: A chance of flurries with a slight chance of snow before 10am, then a chance of flurries between 10am and noon. Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

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

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.