The earlier Winter Storm Watch for Arlington and the D.C. area is now a Winter Storm Warning.
The National Weather Service issued the warning just after 10 a.m., predicting that this weekend’s storm will drop 7-14 inches of snow and sleet. Freezing rain is also looking likely, with the ice potentially causing tree damage and power outages.
Making things even more dangerous for those affected by power outages, “a prolonged period [of] wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning this evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times,” the weather service says.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency yesterday, ahead of the storm. A Dominion Energy spokesperson told ARLnow that the utility is preparing for “significant and widespread power outages” and “a severe, multi-day restoration effort.”
More, below, from NWS.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 23 at 10:03AM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 P.M. SATURDAY TO 4 A.M. EST MONDAY.
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 7 and 14 inches, with highest in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. Ice accumulations between one and two tenths of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 PM Saturday to 4 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday night, becoming heavy at times with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is expected Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period [of] wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning this evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
With a major disruptive storm looming, local grocery stores have been busy. On social media, one user posted a photo of a long line at Trader Joe’s in Clarendon, which reportedly formed only 20 minutes after opening this morning.
Line at Trader Joe’s in Clarendon TWENTY MINUTES after it opened. #snow @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/M1aQzkvhxc
— John Liang (@juanjohnjedi) January 23, 2026
