Weather

Snow Expected for Friday Morning Commute in Northern Virginia

Friday morning commute could be slippery in the DC metro area, if weather forecasts hold, calling for an inch of snow in Northern Virginia.

The DC metro area could see slick roads for the Friday morning commute if weather forecasts hold. The National Weather Service Wednesday reports that the DC metro area is "most likely" to see an inch of snow, falling between Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.

Drivers in Northern Virginia are asked to prepare for rush hour commutes to be impacted by snow Thursday evening and Friday morning, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Road crews are conducting anti-icing activities Wednesday and Thursday. VDOT asks that you please watch for crews as they stage along roads prior to the storm. Crews will treat roads with salt and sand as needed once the storm begins Thursday afternoon, plow in areas where and if snow totals reach 2 inches, and will remain on duty throughout the course of the storm.

Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

VDOT asks that drivers:

  • Adjust commutes to avoid driving during the storm and factor in additional travel time
  • Continue to check weather forecasts, as storm timing and intensity can change. Pavement temperatures are expected to drop below freezing tonight and remain low through the weekend.
  • Do not overdrive conditions; reduce speeds and use headlights
  • Be patient; remember that many fellow drivers are not comfortable driving in adverse weather conditions
  • Take it slow on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, and other known trouble spots
  • Ensure gas tanks and windshield wiper fluid tanks are full

Stay informed of current road conditions and VDOT’s efforts by checking 511virginia.org or the mobile app for traffic conditions and closures. You can also visit virginiadot.org/novaemergency for the latest updates and resources during winter events in Northern Virginia.

Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Before heading out, take time to update the emergency kit in your car. Here’s how:www.ready.gov/car

Here's the weather breakdown from the National Weather Service:

  • Thursday afternoon: 30 percent chance of snow, with a high temperature of 34 degrees.
  • Thursday night: 80 percent chance of snow
  • Friday morning: 60 percent chance of snow, with snow likely to fall before 8 a.m. The high on Friday is expected to be 35 degrees.

While there is no snow currently in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday, those days will be bitterly cold, only reaching 29 degrees both days. Saturday's forecast is for partly sunny skies and Sunday's forecast is for sunny skies.

The National Weather Service released a map Wednesday afternoon showing the areas that will likely see snowfall Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, and how much snow will fall in each region:

PHOTO: Shutterstock


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