Winter Weather Advisory Friday for Light Snow

Editor's Note: See Friday's latest forecast here.

Sunny and clear skies couldn't stop the bitter cold on Thursday and now, the D.C. area can expect some snow on Friday.

Thursday's frigid wind chills brought the feels-like temperatures to the negatives in the early morning. By about 5:30 p.m., the cold had receded slightly, making it feel like 16 degrees in D.C.

With wind chills at minus 20 to minus 10, frostbite is possible in just 30 minutes. Remember to make all efforts to protect people, pets and pipes during this intense blast of cold.

Students at Falls Church High School and three other schools in the area lost power and heat during the frigid cold. News4's David Culver reports.

While Friday will leave the dangerous territory of cold, it will start to be frigid outside. In addition to the cold, the D.C. region will likely see some light snow showers during the morning commute, and it could slow traffic.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the entire DC and Baltimore metro areas from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday for the light snow. About 1 inch or less is expected to accumulate, but any snow that does stick will create hazardous conditions on the already frozen roads. Any untreated roads could become icy.

Your attempts to stay warm with a space heater or fireplace can have unintended consequences. At least one recent fire in the D.C. area was apparently started from a space heater, fire officials say. News4's Cory Smith is working for you with tips on how to prevent fires and still stay warm.

Highs will reach about 30 degrees — about 15 degrees below normal for this time of year.

Several school systems opened two hours late Thursday. Public schools in Prince William, Loudoun, Culpeper and Fauquier counties and Manassas City were closed.

See Full List of School Closings

News4's Shomari Stone spoke to people about how they're dealing with the dangerous cold weather.

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D.C. is under a hypothermia alert and has opened shelters for people who need to get out of the cold. Check here for a full list of shelters.

Transportation to the shelters is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311.

Bitterly cold weather is a nuisance for some and a danger for others. Officer Laurie Reyes advises you to speak up and call 911 if you see someone under-dressed or in need of help during the upcoming winter weather. News4's Jackie Bensen reports.

The cold can cause problems for your vehicle, as well. The Maryland Department of Transportation advises keeping at least a half-tank of gas to prevent fuel lines from freezing.

The weekend is looking dry, with highs in the 40s on Saturday and well into the 50s on Sunday.

Not a fan of the cold? Temperatures are set to warm into the 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The strong winds were even swaying airplanes as they come in for landing at Reagan National Airport. News4's David Culver reports.