Updated – The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Snowfall Forecast & Timing

Forecasters predict four to six inches of snow, with some areas possibly receiving higher totals.

• Tuesday Afternoon: Light snow begins across the region.
• Tuesday Evening into Overnight: Snowfall intensifies, becoming steady and heavy at times.
• Wednesday Morning: Additional wintry precipitation is possible before tapering off.

Impact on Travel & Commutes

The Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes could be significantly impacted due to slippery and snow-covered roads. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and prepare for reduced visibility and potential delays.

Midweek & Weekend Weather Outlook

The active weather pattern will continue through the week:

• Wednesday: Snow transitions to a wintry mix, with freezing rain likely in areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a rain/snow mix possible east of the mountains.
• Weekend: Another storm system may bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing the risk of flooding as rain falls on a snow-covered landscape.

How Much Snow Will Fall? Guess & Win!

Think you can predict the total snowfall? Comment with your guess for the official snowfall recorded at Reagan Washington National Airport.

The first correct guess posted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, wins a prize! The winner will be announced later this week.

Updated 2:20 p.m: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Prince William County and surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

A wintry mix of precipitation is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations up to 1 inch and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. The advisory covers the District of Columbia, central Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.

Precipitation will overspread the area Saturday morning, starting as snow. By the afternoon, it will transition to sleet and freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions. By the evening, temperatures will rise, changing the precipitation to cold rain, which may help reduce ice accumulation but could leave roads slick.

While temperatures will hover near freezing, the combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will create slippery roads and difficult driving conditions throughout the day. If you must travel, exercise caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.

The storm will taper off early Sunday, except for lingering snow showers in the Allegheny Mountains. A refreeze is possible overnight as temperatures drop into the upper 20s to near freezing.

Sunday will bring a brief break from wintry weather, with highs in the mid-40s to low-50s north of I-66 and upper-50s further south. However, strong northwesterly winds with gusts up to 35 mph will make for a blustery day.

Monday is expected to be calm but cloudy, with highs in the upper 30s and low 40s. Another potential storm system may develop Tuesday through Thursday, but forecast details remain uncertain.

A winter storm is expected to impact the region starting Wednesday evening, bringing the potential for significant ice accumulation in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for parts of the Potomac Highlands, Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge.

Prince William County is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday. Stafford County is currently not under any advisory.

Winter Weather Advisory Details for Prince William County:

• WHAT: Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch, with ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch.
• WHERE: Portions of northern and northwest Virginia, including Prince William County.
• WHEN: 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday.
• IMPACTS: Slippery road conditions are likely, which could impact the Thursday morning commute.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow begins Wednesday evening, transitioning to steady freezing rain overnight. Temperatures will warm Thursday morning, changing freezing rain to rain.

VDOT Prepares for Icy Roads, Urges Caution

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Northern Virginia District has been spot treating bridges, ramps, and overpasses ahead of the storm. Crews are preparing for the wintry precipitation expected Wednesday into Thursday morning, with freezing rain and sleet likely to create icy road conditions.

VDOT advises limiting travel Wednesday night and delaying travel Thursday morning due to the increased risk of slick roads and hazardous driving conditions. If you must travel:

• Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies.
• Give space to first responders and VDOT crews treating the roads.
• Drive cautiously and be prepared for icy spots on area roads.
• Review winter driving safety tips before heading out.

What to Expect:

• Light wintry mix (freezing rain and sleet) begins Wednesday evening.
• Steady and heavier freezing rain and sleet develop overnight.
• Greatest ice accumulation expected late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
• Elevated surfaces (trees, power lines, bridges) will ice up first, with some slick road conditions possible.
• By late Thursday morning, temperatures will rise above freezing, transitioning all precipitation to rain and helping ice melt.

Impacts & Precautions:

• Travel could become hazardous, especially on untreated roads and overpasses.
• Power outages possible due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines.
• Plan ahead if traveling Wednesday night into Thursday morning, and stay updated on road conditions.

After the storm, Friday will bring drier conditions, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in the mountains to the 50s in lower elevations.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay tuned for updates on this developing winter storm.

(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.

Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”

Get ready for a windy Wednesday across the region, as conditions are expected to be quite blustery throughout the day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a more widespread wind event, with gusts reaching between 40-50 mph in most areas, except for parts of central Virginia and southern Maryland.

Wind Advisory in Effect

A Wind Advisory will be in place from late Wednesday morning into the early evening as a potent front drops south across the area. The gusty conditions will be accompanied by lower relative humidity, raising concerns for fire weather in central Virginia. The winds will slowly subside by late evening but be prepared for sustained gusts during the day.

Temperature Outlook

High temperatures will reach the mid to upper 50s for areas along and east of the Blue Ridge, while the higher terrain of the Allegheny Front will stay more remarkable, with highs in the upper 30s.

Overall, it will be a windy and cool day, so be sure to secure loose outdoor items and take precautions if you’re heading out.

Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.

Wednesday and Beyond

Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.

By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.

On Thursday, temperatures will begin to moderate slightly, with highs climbing above freezing for much of the lower terrain. However, the early morning hours will remain frigid, so caution is still advised.

Warming Shelters Open

Several warming shelters are available to help residents stay safe during the cold:

Town of Dumfries Comfort Station

• Location: Jeff Simpson Community Center, 1775 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026
• Dates & Times:
  • January 21, 2025: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • January 25, 2025: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Prince William County Hypothermia Shelters

StreetLight Ministries (Eastern Prince William County)

• Location: Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192
• Hours: Open nightly, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
• Contact: [email protected] or 703-227-7140

Manassas Baptist Church (Western Prince William County)

• Location: 8730 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA 20110
• Hours:
  • Monday – Sunday, 7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8:30 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
• Contact: 571-277-0728

Manassas Park Warming Centers

• Manassas Park Community Center: 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA
• Manassas Park City Library: 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
  These facilities provide short-term relief from the cold. Check their respective websites for operating hours.

Protecting Your Home: What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

With temperatures plunging, water pipes in homes across the region are at risk of freezing. Here’s what to do if you encounter frozen pipes:

• Turn on the nearest cold water faucet to relieve pressure caused by ice expanding in the pipes.
• Gradually thaw frozen pipes by wrapping towels soaked in warm water around them.
• Do not use a blow torch, hair dryer, or any direct heat source, as these can cause pipes to crack.
• For water or sewer emergencies, if served by Prince William Water, contact Prince William Water Emergency Dispatch at (703) 335-7982.

Stay Safe

Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, bundle up, and check on neighbors and vulnerable populations. Potomac Local News will provide updates as the situation develops.

Get ready for some of the coldest weather this winter as Arctic air grips our area. Wind chills are expected to plunge to dangerous levels, prompting the region's advisories.

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If you're planning to attend outdoor festivities or events this Inauguration Day, bundle up! The National Weather Service has issued a frigid forecast for the day, with Arctic air making its presence known across the region.

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The National Weather Service warns of wintry weather this weekend, with light snow or a wintry mix possible late Friday into Saturday morning. Precipitation should turn to rain by midday Saturday, but models show varying chances for light snowfall on Sunday, particularly in western areas.

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Here’s the latest on school closures and delays across the region:

Prince William County
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) will start two hours late on Friday, January 10. All bus routes will also be adjusted by two hours. Parents are encouraged to check with their school for specific bell times and use the Here Comes the Bus app for bus arrival updates. Due to an expected increase in drop-offs, families are asked to be patient with staff and plan for additional time during arrival.

Stafford County
Stafford County Schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 10. All activities and events scheduled for Friday and Saturday are canceled.

• Emergency personnel are expected to report on time.
• 12-month employees will report at 10 a.m. with liberal leave authorized.
• Licensed employees will have a workday starting at 10 a.m.

Free meals will be provided to all Stafford students aged 18 and under at the following locations:

• Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School
• Rocky Run Elementary School
• Edward E. Drew Middle School

Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include take-home breakfasts. Students are welcome regardless of meal eligibility status.

Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 10.

• Essential personnel should report at 8 a.m.
• 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
• Teachers and certificated employees (excluding 12-month employees) will have a flexible workday, either working remotely or at school starting at 10 a.m.

Manassas Park
All Manassas Park City Schools will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.

Spotsylvania County
Friday, January 10, will be a Teacher Work Day for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. No students will report to school, and all student after-school activities are canceled.

King George County
King George County Schools will be closed Friday, January 10, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.

• 12-month employees will operate under Code 2 with a report time of 10 a.m.

Fairfax County
All Fairfax County public schools and school offices will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.

• Central offices will open at 10 a.m.
• SACC centers will open at 8 a.m.