Patches of snow fell north and west of the metropolitan area, and early dismissals popped up across the area Wednesday.
A winter weather advisory issued for areas north and west of D.C. was scaled back Wednesday afternoon. It ended at 8 p.m. for an area including the cities of Hagerstown, Frederick, Westminster, Winchester, Martinsburg and Charles Town.
Areas well to the north and west of D.C. received 1-2 inches of snow. South and east of Interstate 95, it was mostly a rain event.
Even without accumulating snow, falling temperatures and wet roads could mean icy conditions. School closures aren't likely Thursday, but delays are possible depending on road conditions.
Temperatures dropped below freezing Thursday morning. Highs are expected to be in the 40s.
According to OPM, federal agencies in the D.C. area are open and employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework. Some schools in the area are dismissing early. Check our school closings/dismissals list for the latest.
Just before noon, snowflakes started to fall in Loudoun County and in western Maryland. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency issued a warning to residents, urging caution on the roadways.
"Similar past weather events have shown us how important it is to be prepared for winter storms,” said MEMA Executive Director Richard Muth. “This is especially true if the storms hits during times of heavy traffic.”
More than 180 snow plow vehicles were moved into place in the District of Columbia. D.C. officials said those plows would be on duty through the evening.
In anticipation of a wintry mix turning over to snow and continuing through the evening commute, Pepco scheduled extra line personnel and tree trimming crews through Thursday morning. Customers should call 877-737-2662 to report power outages and downed wires.
In Frederick and Loudoun counties, residents could see accumulations of 2 to 4 inches in grassy areas. Areas just north of the city could see 1 to 2 inches, and to the south, a dusting is possible. Farther south along the I95 corridor, the forecast calls for rain.
In Maryland, road crews pre-treated many roadways in anticipation of the coming weather. Virginia's Department of Transportation said many roads there have also been pre-treated, and salt trucks are standing by.
Another chance of snow is coming this weekend. Saturday's storm system should be all snow, as it brings some of the coldest air of the year. Temperature could fall into the teens Sunday morning and Monday morning.
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