Sunday Snowfall Estimate For NoVA: Latest Forecast

Updated at 2 p.m. Sunday

VIRGINIA — New details on timing and expected snowfall totals have been released as a winter storm moves over Northern Virginia on Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for several counties in the Washington, D.C. region, including Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, and Prince William counties in Virginia, along with Manassas and Manassas Park. The warning is in effect Sunday until 7 p.m."Snow will overspread the area Sunday morning and continue through the afternoon before tapering off during the evening," the National Weather Service said. "Snowfall rates could approach 1 inch an hour at times."

As much as 4 inches of snow is expected to fall in Loudoun County, while the D.C. metro will likely see 2-3 inches. Farther south, less than an inch of snow is predicted in Fredericksburg.

Travel conditions are expected to quickly deteriorate on Sunday. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches, forecasters said.

"Persons should delay all travel if possible," the National Weather Service said. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility."

Once snow moves out of the region, a polar vortex — a stormy ring that typically keeps the coldest air locked up near the North Pole — will settle over Northern Virginia and bring bitter and dangerously cold temperatures to the Baltimore region.

Temperatures on Sunday will reach the 30s before falling into the mid-20s on Monday. Lows will plunge into the single digits before warming just slightly on Tuesday. According to the NWS, Tuesday will see a high of 25 degrees and a low of 9.

Here's a look at the detailed D.C.-area National Weather Service forecast through Tuesday:

Sunday: Rain and snow likely before 2pm, then snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 39. North wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 9pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 25. West wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Monday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 10. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

Tuesday: A chance of snow showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Light and variable wind becoming northwest around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 17.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.