Northern Virginia Weather: Up to 3 Inches of Snow Predicted Saturday

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory Friday night for Northern Virginia including Falls Church, Alexandria and Fairfax County. The Advisory remains in effect Saturday from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The weather service estimates the area could see up to 3 inches of snow. Snow on roads could lead to hazardous driving conditions, forecasters warn. Temperatures will be in the lower 20s.

With additional winter weather predicted crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation remain prepared across Northern Virginia. Drivers are asked to monitor weather forecasts for changes in timing and intensity—particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor—and to avoid driving during the storm for safety.

Almost 1,100 trucks will be on the roads Friday night between 10 p.m. and midnight to begin treating roads with salt and sand, VDOT said. Crews remain ready to escalate in Prince William County for the potential of a heavier band of accumulation to shift from the south.

Drivers heading toward Fredericksburg and beyond for the weekend are urged to be aware of heavier snow forecasts for points south and east, and to follow these regions for updates. Following the storm, residual icy conditions remain possible as road temperatures in Northern Virginia are expected to remain below freezing for the next several days, VDOT said.

In a nod to forecasts calling for heavy snow in Southeast Virginia, Gov. Terry McAuliffe Friday declared a state of emergency and urged residents of the Commonwealth to prepare for impacts from a winter storm system, which potentially could result in significant snow accumulation, hazardous road conditions, and high winds. This order authorizes state agencies to assist local governments in responding to this major winter storm that is expected to impact the Commonwealth Friday night through the weekend.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone in Virginia to prepare for the possibility of snowfall, especially in Southeast Virginia, where forecasts predict accumulations could exceed 12 inches, as well as dangerous road conditions, power outages, and high winds,” said McAuliffe. “I have been briefed by the National Weather Service and my emergency team, who are tracking this storm and following the potential impacts it could have across much of the state. I urge Virginians to limit travel as the severe weather arrives and follow directions from local and state officials. We hope this storm passes quickly through our Commonwealth, but our top priority must be to ensure the safety of our citizens and their families.”

“In anticipation of this severe winter weather, VDEM, Virginia State Police and Virginia National Guard personnel have been activated to assist localities statewide,”said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “The safety of Virginians remains our top priority as we monitor and respond to this storm.”

The Virginia State Police have all uniformed personnel and necessary specialty units ready for response to the next round of increased volumes in traffic crashes, disabled vehicles and other storm-related emergencies. Virginians are advised to plan ahead for slick, treacherous road conditions. They can also help reduce traffic crashes and delays by avoiding travel during the storm.

The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring 200 personnel on state active duty to assist with the response. They will begin staging at key locations in the Hampton Roads area Friday night to be ready for duty Saturday morning. Expected missions for the Guard include using Humvees and light/medium tactical trucks to provide transportation for first responders through deep snow or help evacuate citizens in need of shelter as well as providing debris reduction teams with chain saws to help clear roads if needed.

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