It’s going to be a very breezy — and, perhaps, briefly snowy — Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for much of the day tomorrow, saying that gusty winds could fell tree branches and cause some power outages.
The advisory will take effect at 9 a.m. for Arlington, D.C. and most of the area.
659 PM EST Wed Dec 4 2024
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, southern, and western Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 AM to 6 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
There’s also a chance of a brief bout of heavy snow in the morning, making travel hazardous. And dropping temperatures paired with high winds will present a hypothermia danger.
NWS issued the following Special Weather Statement this (Wednesday) evening.
507 PM EST Wed Dec 4 2024
…BRIEF HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS POSSIBLE DURING THURSDAY MORNING COMMUTE, THEN BECOMING WINDY AND MUCH COLDER…
A strong cold front moves across the area Thursday morning, then much colder and windy conditions quickly develop into Thursday night.
For areas along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a period of snow showers, possibly mixed with some rain, is likely Thursday morning between 3 AM to 6 AM. For areas east of the Blue Ridge, a mix of rain and snow showers is likely between 5 AM to 8 AM. Additional light snow showers are possible through late morning.
In areas along and west of the Blue Ridge and in north-central Maryland, near freezing temperatures could allow some of this snow to stick on roadways, possibly creating slick conditions. Commuters Thursday morning should allow extra time to reach their destination, and use extra caution when driving through any snow shower.
Windy conditions quickly develop around or just after sunrise Thursday morning, and continue through Thursday evening. Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected across the area, with up to 60 mph possible. These strong winds could result in downed trees and power lines.
Those outdoors Thursday morning will notice a rapid decrease in temperature when those strong winds begin. The strong winds and cold temperatures will produce wind chills in the teens to low 20s the entire day, even in sunnier conditions during the afternoon. It is important to wear appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Take needed actions to protect yourself, children, pets, plants, and pipes from the cold.
In all, the weather service says local residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions.
A high impact weather system is set to move through tonight through Thursday bringing blizzard conditions to portions of the Alleghenies & very gusty winds to the entire area. Check out https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr for the latest on this hazardous weather. #MDwx #DCwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/9KG8TSAVR1
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) December 4, 2024
