The D.C. area is expected to get anywhere between 3 and 10 inches of snow Monday—much more than previously anticipated—after mild weather Sunday and high temperatures in the 60s.
Monday's storm has Storm Team4 in Weather Alert mode and will likely affect your schedule. D.C. advised residents to plan on slippery road conditions that could snarl the morning commute.
Snowfall is expected to begin early Monday, in the overnight hours, and last into about 4 p.m. in some areas.
A winter storm warning will go into effect early Monday in D.C. and many suburbs, including Arlington, Fairfax and Prince George’s counties. A winter weather advisory will go into effect early Monday in parts of Loudoun County; Frederick County, Maryland and Frederick County, Virginia. Go here for a full list of affected counties from the National Weather Service.
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After mild weather Sunday, we’ll see rain, sleet and snow in the early hours of Monday, Ryan Miller in the Storm Team4 Weather Center said.
Snow Timing in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
- Midnight to 4 a.m.: a mix of rain, sleet and snow
- 4 to 8 a.m.: periods of heavy snow
- Noon to 4 p.m.: an end to the snow
Snow Totals in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
The Storm Team4 snow map shows an estimated 3-6 inches in the D.C. metro area.
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer says that to in parts of Northern Virginia and southern Maryland, 6-10 inches – and possibly even a foot – of snow could accumulate.
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Areas to the west and northwest could see a trace to 3 inches.
After the storm Monday, we’ll see high temperatures in the 40s this week, with sunshine.
School Closures in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
News4 is tracking whether school districts will declare a snow day, close schools or hold classes online.
In Maryland, the following school districts will be closed due to the weather:
- Montgomery County Public Schools
- Prince George's County Public Schools
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools
- Howard County Public Schools
Calvert County Public Schools and Frederick County Public Schools will start two hours late. FCPS will also dismiss students an hour late.
In Virginia, the following school districts will be closed due to the weather:
- Arlington Public Schools
- Fairfax County Public Schools
- Prince William County Public Schools
- Falls Church City Public Schools
- Manassas Park City Schools
- Alexandria City Schools will be closed for in-person learning but students will attend class virtually.
Loudoun County Public Schools will start with a two-hour delay, but will look at a possible closure Monday morning.
A number of school districts already have either no school or virtual learning planned, unrelated to the snowstorm.
D.C. Public Schools were already scheduled to be closed Monday and Tuesday amid a major effort to test every student and staff member. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that because of the storm, students must now test on Wednesday, Jan. 5 and schools will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 6.
Charles County Public Schools already had virtual learning planned. Fredericksburg City Public Schools, Stafford County Public Schools and Fauquier County Public Schools have professional days for teachers planned, and no school for students.
Road Conditions in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia
News4 is tracking what you should know about road conditions in the region.
In D.C., a full deployment of more than 100 snowplows will hit the streets at midnight Monday to treat roads with salt. You can go here to track plows in real time.
Metrobus said it would operate on a severe snow service plan, and so service will be limited to major roads only. Delays and increased wait times are likely, and travel is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Virginia State Police also told residents to plan ahead and stay off the roads during inclement conditions, if possible.
“If you can delay your travel overnight and early Monday, please do until VDOT has an opportunity to treat/clear roadways for safe travel,” a statement from police on Sunday said.
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D.C. asked property owners to treat their sidewalks before the storm starts. You can volunteer with the Serve DC Volunteer Snow Team to clear sidewalks for registered seniors and other residents who need help. Volunteers are especially needed in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8, a message from the city said. Go here for info.
The District’s Hypothermia Alert system will be activated at 7 p.m. Sunday. Residents are encouraged to call 311 or 202-399-7093 if they see someone in need of shelter.
The big change in the weather came as a surprise to many.
“I don’t think anybody is ready for this,” News4’s Adam Tuss said amid balmy temperatures Sunday morning.
