'Potent' Winter Storm Headed To Parts Of VA: See Latest Forecast

VIRGINIA — A "potent" winter storm headed toward the state could dump as much as 12 inches of snow on parts of northwestern Virginia later this week, according to forecasters. The storm is expected to bring some relief to the dry conditions plaguing the area, which has been under a drought watch.

A winter storm watch is in effect for western Highland County and the Allegheny Mountains starting Thursday afternoon and continuing through Saturday night, the National Weather Service said in an update Tuesday.

Precipitation in the Washington, D.C. area will likely stick to rain through much of the week with a chance of showers on Wednesday and Friday. Strong winds are also forecast Wednesday night into Thursday.

According to forecasters, the winter storm could bring heavy snow with accumulations between 6-12 inches with locally higher amounts along Virginia ridgetops. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

"The upcoming storm and weather pattern flip will remind many in the central and eastern United States that autumn 2024 is officially nearing its final month, and conditions may come as a bit of a shock to some," according to AccuWeather forecasters.

Anyone with plans to travel to the affected areas should reconsider, the National Weather Service said.

"Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile at times due to falling and blowing snow. This may lead to whiteout conditions and may make travel difficult," forecasters said. "The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages."

Mild conditions look to continue through Wednesday as a warm front lifts through the region, forecasters said. A strong low-pressure system will move in Thursday when temperatures will dip into the mid-30s.

Some parts of Shenandoah Valley could see traces of snowfall Wednesday night through Friday.

Here's a look at the D.C. area forecast through Saturday night:

Tuesday Night: Scattered showers, mainly between 7pm and 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 4am, then a chance of showers. Low around 44. Southeast wind 6 to 14 mph becoming west in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.