2-4 Inches of Snow Expected in DC Wednesday, Up to 7 Inches Farther North

Editor's Note: Go here for the latest forecast on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019.

Storm Team4 says a significant winter storm will likely bring up to 4 inches of snow to the D.C. area Wednesday.

The snow is expected to begin around 5 a.m. Wednesday, with several inches expected before milder air begins to change the snow over to a mix of sleet, freezing rain and rain by Wednesday afternoon.

A winter storm warning began at 10 p.m. Tuesday for the D.C. metro area and locations north and west, and a winter weather advisory for areas south and east. Storm Team4 has declared a Weather Alert. 

Federal offices in the D.C. area will be closed Wednesday. Emergency and telework employees must still report to work, the government said.

All public schools in Anne Arundel County, Charles County, St. Mary's County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fauquier County, Culpeper County, Fredericksburg City, Loudoun County, Alexandria City, Spotsylvania County, Manassas City, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Falls Church, Prince William County and Howard County will be closed Wednesday.

In the metro D.C. area, 2-4 inches of snow is likely before the changeover to a wintry mix begins.

Areas north and west of D.C. will have to wait the longest before the change, so snowfall of 4-7 inches will be possible west of the Beltway and into the Shenandoah Valley, eastern West Virginia and northern Maryland. Those areas also have the greatest threat for freezing rain, and travel along Interstate 81 could be treacherous throughout Wednesday night and well into Thursday.

The change from snow to a wintry mix will begin south and east of D.C in southern Maryland, limiting snow accumulations there to generally 3 inches or less.

This storm will cause widespread disruptions to all forms of travel.

Icy conditions are a major concern as the storm transitions from snow to sleet and rain. Crews throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia pre-treated roads with salt bring and prepared their equipment for Wednesday.

Metro announced Tuesday night that stations would be open during normal hours on Wednesday, but have reduced service due to the storm. Trains will run every 12 minutes. Metrobuses will operate under the Severe Snow Service Plan, which calls for limited service on major roadways. Check here for more information.

Pepco said it was preparing for the storm as snow and ice can cause tree branches to break and bring down power lines.

Your best bet is to take care of everything you need to do by Tuesday night. Fill your car with gas and windshield washer fluid, and plan to stay home Wednesday if possible.

This whole mess will end as rain Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, a surge of milder air will help push temperatures into the 50s, allowing for rapid melting.

Stay with Storm Team4 for updates.