A winter storm warning has been issued for all of the I-81 corridor as the region awaits the first snow of the season.
The winter storm warning is effect for the Shenandoah Valley from 4 a.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday.
Storm Team4 says areas in the winter storm warning could see 3 to 5 inches of snow, along with some ice accumulation from freezing rain. The snowfall is expected between 3 and 7 a.m., during the morning rush hour. This could lead to some power outages and slick travel conditions for the I-81 corridor.
In the D.C. metro area, rain, sleet and some snow could make a slushy and slippery commute.
The entire D.C. metro area is under a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Prince William, Loudoun and Fauquier counties' public schools are closed on Thursday. Fairfax County Public Schools and Manassas City schools will open two hours late.
Check here for a full list of school closings and delays
Storm Team4 expects mostly rain will fall in D.C. and areas south and east and the metro area will be warm enough that any snowfall will have trouble sticking. But the D.C. area could see a period of wet snow and sleet in the morning.
"Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for commuters. The first rule of safe driving during wet weather is to slow down to improve tire traction. Plus, given the darker morning and evening commutes, be especially cautious and look out for pedestrians," AAA spokesman John Townsend II warned in a statement.
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper says not to expect to see a winter wonderland.
The ground is warm, so any snow that falls will likely collect on grassy areas. A slushy inch will be possible at Dulles International Airport and upper Montgomery County.
If you miss out on this round of snow, don't worry.
Storm Team4 predicts double the average snowfall for most of the region for the season.
