(Updated at 12:40 a.m.) Arlington is now under a Winter Storm Warning, with total snowfall expected to reach 4-6 inches.
The National Weather Service upgraded the previous Winter Weather Advisory around 10:30 p.m. The snow accumulation is making travel difficult, prompting Metro and Arlington Transit to implement severe snow plans for buses.
The snow is also delaying and cancelling flights at National Airport — and reportedly stranding several flights on the tarmac for extended periods of time. The GW Parkway remains closed between Spout Run and the Beltway, due to the snow.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1028 PM EST Mon Jan 15 2024…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow, possibly changing to light freezing rain or freezing drizzle along the Interstate 95 corridor toward morning. Total snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 10 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Moderate to heavy snow this evening and overnight may produce snow of one half to one inch per hour and reduce visibility to one half mile or less at times. Snow intensity will taper off toward morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
1030PM Update: Given the ongoing, rapidly accumulating snow we have upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for the DC Metro to Annapolis north to the MD/PA border. Total snow accumulations will reach 4-6", with locally higher amounts by the end of the night. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/loeSRridV0
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 16, 2024
Arlington Public Schools has canceled classes tomorrow and the county government will, as of now, open on a delay.
Federal government offices are also closing for the day.
1/16/24: Federal offices in the DC area are CLOSED.
Emergency and telework-ready employees must follow their agency’s policies.
Visit the link for more details: https://t.co/XNpFS40aXT
— U.S. Office of Personnel Management (@USOPM) January 16, 2024
Metro, meanwhile, issued the following press release Monday night about its operating status. Metro — along with Arlington Transit — is operating limited bus service due to the snow.
For the rest of the evening on Monday, Jan. 15, and early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Metrobus will be operating under its Severe Snow Plan with approximately 40-plus bus routes operating.
Under a Severe Snow Plan, bus service is limited to major roads, with additional snow detours possible based on road conditions.
Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create hazardous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times. If snow is blocking the curb, wait on the sidewalk instead of the street until the bus arrives.
Metro is deploying resources throughout the system and across the region to monitor road conditions and keep parking lots, walkways, and stations clear of snow. Customers should build in additional travel time and use caution on platforms, escalators, parking lots, and other areas that may be slippery.
Metrorail is running regular service, though service may change based on weather conditions and staffing availability.
MetroAccess is running regular service, but customers are encouraged to travel only if necessary. Some trips may experience delays due to road conditions. If door-to-door service is not possible, curb-to-curb service will be provided instead.
The decision to reduce bus service was made to support the safety of our customers and employees. The plan was developed in conjunction and coordination with our jurisdictions and regional partners.
Metro will re-evaluate weather conditions throughout the day Tuesday and we aim to return to normal bus service as soon as conditions allow.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text and email messages to receive the latest service updates. You can also visit the Status and Alerts page and check Metro’s social media channels @wmata@MetrorailInfo and @Metrobusinfo.
(Updated at midnight) There will be no classes for Arlington Public Schools students Tuesday.
The snow day means at least a four-day weekend for students, when combined with today’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. APS made the announcement around 6 p.m.
Tue, Jan. 16, 2024: Code 1 – All APS Schools & Offices Closed
CODE 1: All APS schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Tue, Jan. 16, 2024. Unless otherwise directed by their supervisors, custodial and maintenance staff should report to work at their scheduled time. Extracurricular activities, games, team practices, field trips, adult education classes and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.
Nearby Alexandria, Fairfax County, D.C. and Montgomery County have also announced snow days. The area is, as of 11 p.m., under a Winter Storm Warning, with a couple of additional inches of accumulation expected overnight.
Arlington County government offices and courts, meanwhile, will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, while libraries are set to open at noon, the county announced Monday night. The federal government will be closed.
Due to inclement weather, Arlington County Government in-person facilities and Judicial Court proceedings will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, unless otherwise stated. Libraries will open at noon.
Visit the County website for further details https://t.co/1bGNu4Ndeb
— Arlington County (@ArlingtonVA) January 16, 2024
1/16/24: Federal offices in the DC area are CLOSED.
Emergency and telework-ready employees must follow their agency’s policies.
Visit the link for more details: https://t.co/XNpFS40aXT
— U.S. Office of Personnel Management (@USOPM) January 16, 2024
At Reagan National Airport, the FAA is reporting, as of midnight, a Ground Stop due to snow and ice.
NBC 4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer said on social media that he arrived on an flight that’s now stranded on the tarmac at DCA while snow is cleared from runways. There are numerous other reports on social media of passengers stranded on planes at the airport.
Well DCA is shut down. We are on the tarmac, but not allowed to move until the runways are cleared off. Looks like it will be a while. Glad I made it home, but Doubtful I see you at 11. @amelia_draper will have you covered. #SNOW
— Doug Kammerer (@dougkammerer) January 16, 2024
Reagan National (DCA) is a MESS. Terrible comms between pilots and deicing trucks are being reported. Airlines caught off guard with DC Show. Jets blowing past DOT limits of 3 hours of full planes sitting on runways waiting for gates. Full jets lined up on runaways. Pilots… pic.twitter.com/DGoIJShfsm
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) January 16, 2024
As snow continues to fall tonight, local roads are getting treacherous.
One crash near Rosslyn caused by the snow tonight was caught on video, below.
⚠️Snowy fender-bender in Arlington, VA. 🚗❄️ @ARLnowDOTcom @ArlingtonVaPD pic.twitter.com/VK6lik4uLO
— Ahmad Shah Mohibi (@ahmadsmohibi) January 15, 2024
Snow continues at a steady pace across the DMV with some spots reporting 1-2” already. Roads are becoming snow covered which is leading to hazardous travel conditions. Please take it easy out there! #vawx #mdwx #dcwx pic.twitter.com/LNt17APGr7
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) January 16, 2024
Update at 11 p.m. — The Winter Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.
Earlier: Arlington and the immediate D.C. area is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with several inches of additional snow accumulation expected.
The advisory from the National Weather Service was issued this morning. While light snow is currently falling, adding to the dusting from overnight Sunday into Monday, heavier snowfall is expected later this afternoon and tonight.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1011 AM EST Mon Jan 15 2024…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a brief lull in snow intensity this morning before picking back up again this afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down just prior to daybreak Tuesday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for all of the forecast area through early Tuesday morning. Light snow this morning may ease up around mid-morning before steadier snow overspreads the area mid-afternoon through tonight. Visit https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf for more details. pic.twitter.com/wyid0dWvAd
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 15, 2024
Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow as some local roads remain slick and snow-covered. The National Park Service, meanwhile, has closed the GW Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway — where construction has been taking place.
The closure is “until further notice,” due to safety concerns during the snow.
From NPS:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area. This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.
A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler
Update at 9:30 p.m. — More snow, including some accumulation, is now possible early Monday morning. Forecasters say it could cause major problems on the roads. From NWS:
841 PM EST Sun Jan 14 2024
…POTENTIAL WINTER COMMUTING HAZARD FOR THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND MONDAY MORNING…
There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Monday morning commute. A period of snow is POSSIBLE (a 40 to 60 percent chance) late tonight into Monday morning across the Washington metro area into southern Maryland with up to an inch of accumulation along with the potential for snow covered roads.
If this threat does materialize during the late tonight through the Monday morning commute, many roads could quickly turn snow covered. This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays.
If commuting late tonight through Monday morning, be aware of the POSSIBILITY of significant travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options.
Stay tuned for updates on this potential winter weather episode.
Earlier: If the blowing wind and sudden arrival of dark clouds did not make it clear, we’re about to get a change in the weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement, warning that an incoming snow shower may bring reduced visibility and light accumulation to the area.
More from NWS:
…LIGHT SNOW WILL AFFECT THE DC METRO INTO CENTRAL MARYLAND…
Snow may coat elevated and grassy surfaces through midday, and with temperatures falling into the lower to middle 30s, some untreated surfaces may become slick. Wind gusts around 30 to 40 mph combined with the snow may reduce visibility to near one mile at times.Locations impacted include…
Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Waldorf, Dale City, Bethesda, Reston, Bowie, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, College Park, Crofton, South Riding, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Beltsville, and Fort Hunt.
This includes the following highways…
Interstate 95 in Maryland between mile markers 2 and 34.
Interstate 270 in Maryland between mile markers 1 and 3.
Slow down and allow extra time when traveling.
After an expected deluge tonight, Saturday may feature hazardous wind gusts.
The National Weather Service just issued the following Wind Advisory, warning of falling tree limbs and possible power outages to start the weekend.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…West to southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and western Maryland, The District of Columbia, northern and northwest Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 4 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
In addition to the earlier Flood Watch, which takes effect at 6 p.m. tonight, Arlington is also under a Coastal Flood Advisory.
…COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO NOON EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.
* WHERE…Shoreline in the City of Alexandria and Arlington County.
* WHEN…From 5 AM to noon EST Saturday, especially around the time of high tide.
* IMPACTS…Water is expected to approach the curb near the intersection of King Street and Strand Street in Alexandria.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Tides two to two and a half feet above normal. The next high tides at Alexandria are at 8:59 PM this evening and 9:30 AM Saturday morning.
The active weather pattern is slated to continue into next week. Starting Sunday, arctic air will bring an extended bout of freezing temperatures to the area, ahead of a potential snowstorm on Tuesday.
Some forecasters are highlighting the potential of major snow accumulation, while others are more reserved in their predictions.
Hot of the Presses: The UKMET Model brings a major snowstorm Tuesday
Note: this snowfall map is based on a 10:1 ratio. This is probably much too low of a ratio based on the arctic cold availible to be tapped. If everything were to work out as the UKMET depicts, actual snowfall… pic.twitter.com/9oRwrKY8Jm— Mark Margavage (@MeteoMark) January 12, 2024
If Tuesday’s soaker of a storm left you wanting, an encore is on the way.
The National Weather Service has just issued a Flood Watch for Friday night, warning of heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding in the D.C. area.
The watch will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday and run through 6 a.m. Saturday.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. […]
* WHEN…From Friday evening through late Friday night.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– A period of moderate to locally heavy rain is expected ahead of a cold front, beginning late Friday afternoon and continuing through Friday evening before ending overnight. Rainfall amounts around three quarters of an inch to an inch and a half are most likely with localized amounts around 2 inches possible. Most of the rain will fall in a three to six hour period Friday evening. The locally heavy rain combined with already saturated soil may cause excess runoff leading to flooding of streams and creeks as well as potential flooding in urban and low-lying areas.
A potent low pressure system will arrive Friday PM, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. A Flood Watch is in effect for areas along/east of the Blue Ridge. Additionally, wind headlines are in effect for the Allegheny Front and along the waters Friday PM into the overnight hours. pic.twitter.com/U0RMnsqGHD
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 11, 2024
(Updated at 5 p.m.) Arlington County is now under a Flood Warning as heavy, wind-driven rain continues across the region.
The National Weather Service issued the warning, below, around 3:30 p.m. It’s in addition to the earlier High Wind Warning, which is in effect until 1 a.m.
Local streams have been rising throughout the day and ponding can be seen on local roads. Among the first reports of significant flooding, Columbia Pike was being closed near the Pentagon as of 4 p.m. due to reported high water.
Travel in and out of the Pentagon via Columbia Pike is shut down due to flooding and debris under Washington Boulevard, Route 27. @ARLnowDOTcom @matthewyoung31 @CordellTraffic #safety #weather #traffic #vatraffic pic.twitter.com/OrmvTDsvQf
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) January 9, 2024
Forecasters say conditions will continues to get worse.
…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1130 PM EST THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, including the following , District of Columbia, central Maryland, including the following county, Montgomery, and northern Virginia, including the following counties, Arlington, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.
* WHEN…Until 1130 PM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 327 PM EST, Doppler radar indicated a broad area of moderate to heavy rainfall. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Given moist soil conditions due to recent rains, rivers are responding quickly and rising towards flood stage.
– Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area.
The risk for flooding increases later this afternoon and evening as rain intensity increases. Rain rates up 0.5"/hr are expected between 5-10pm. Wind gusts of 40-55 mph are also expected during this time. Remember #TurnAroundDontDrown. #MDwx #VAwx #Wvwx pic.twitter.com/is5gc4E2ZK
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 9, 2024
Officials have been cautioning residents to avoid driving into flooded streets and to stay home, if possible, until the storm passes.
Earlier, Arlington Public Schools cancelled after-school and evening activities.
Flooding is possible today into tonight across NOVA and a #FloodWatch remains in effect thru Wed AM. #VaWX
Never drive through flooded roads. It only takes a foot of water to carry away a car. Flooding will be difficult to see at night, so pls limit travel.#TurnAroundDontDrown pic.twitter.com/6PcEVA4sLX
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 9, 2024
Only minor power outages have been reported in Arlington so far this afternoon, though several thousand homes and businesses are currently without power in neighboring Fairfax County.
At Reagan National Airport, meanwhile, flight delays are building as the storm makes its way up the East Coast.
Delays and cancellations starting to pop up on the Departures board at @Reagan_Airport. We are tracking the weather impacts on travel all afternoon on @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/egGH1QVIpa
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) January 9, 2024
SHEESH! Plane landing in gusty winds at @Reagan_Airport today. 🎥 shot by @bforte22 @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/BPCCL2MGki
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) January 9, 2024
Update at 3:55 p.m. — A Flood Warning has been issued for Arlington.
Update at 12:30 p.m. — The earlier Wind Advisory has been upgraded to a High Wind Warning.
…HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Southeast winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
* WHERE…In District of Columbia, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Prince Georges, Charles, Central and Southeast Montgomery and Central and Southeast Howard Counties. In Virginia, Fairfax, Stafford, King George and Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Counties, and Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria.
* WHEN…Until 1 AM EST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Damaging winds are expected later this afternoon & evening as a potent storm system crosses the region. Highest wind gusts in excess of 40-55 mph will occur between 5-10pm this evening. Locally higher gusts are possible over the ridges/waters. More wind Wed.. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/Wp5SiHwBS4
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 9, 2024
Update at 12:25 p.m. — The National Weather Service has issued the following forecast update, predicting deteriorating conditions and a period of “intense” rainfall between 6-10 p.m.
…HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON
REGION TODAY BETWEEN 500 PM AND 1000 PM EST…Weather conditions will deteriorate as a strong frontal system approaches this afternoon, then passes through the greater Baltimore/Washington region this evening. This will result high winds capable of downing trees and powerlines, tidal flooding, and the potential for flooding of small streams and creeks. This will create hazardous travel conditions late this afternoon through late evening across the region.
Light-to-moderate rain will continue early this afternoon, then increase in intensity late this afternoon, with a several hour period of heavy, intense rainfall expected between 6 PM and 10 PM. This heavy rainfall, coupled with already saturated soils from recent rainfall, will cause flooding of small streams and creeks. Do not attempt to drive across flooded roadways; additionally, flooding at night increases the risk for motorists not being able to quickly identify the water hazards due to decreased visibilities by the heavy rain and darkness.
Easterly winds will increase in intensity as well this afternoon across the region, with gusts to 50 MPH expected late this afternoon through mid-evening. Locations closer to the Chesapeake Bay will see higher wind gusts of 60-70 MPH. Strong winds will increase the risk of falling trees and downed powerlines. Again, the risk of poor outcomes resulting from high winds is increased during nighttime. Winds will decrease after midnight tonight.
Finally, areas along the tidal Potomac River and western shore of the Chesapeake Bay north of Smith Point VA should prepare for moderate-to-major tidal flooding. The cities of Baltimore, Annapolis MD, and Alexandria VA are most prone to tidal flooding, and the coupling of heavy rainfall and strong onshore winds of 50-60 MPH in these locations will work together to create moderate-to-major tidal impacts.
Earlier: Arlington County will be under a Wind Advisory and a Flood Watch from early this afternoon until Wednesday morning.
A storm packing heavy rain and gusty winds will sweep through the area, forecasters say, potentially causing widespread power outages.
Some local school districts like Montgomery County are dismissing students early, but Arlington and neighboring Alexandria and Fairfax County have so far not announced any early dismissals.
As of noon Arlington Public Schools said that after-school and evening activities have been canceled.
All APS after-school and evening activities are canceled for today, Tue, Jan. 9, 2024, including extracurricular activities, games, team practices, field trips, adult education classes, and programs in schools and on school grounds. The School Board Work Session scheduled for this evening is also canceled. Extended Day will remain open until 6 p.m. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County programs and operations, go to www.arlingtonva.us.
VDOT, meanwhile, is warning of a potentially hazardous evening on local roads. From a press release:
…heavy rain is forecast across the commonwealth from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, with precipitation pushing off to the east after midnight into early Wednesday morning. Areas of flooding will be possible due to the saturated soils already in place. Wind gusts of up to 65 mph may also occur.
VDOT crews will be monitoring roadways and treating conditions as they develop.
This severe weather system may cause downed trees and power lines and other debris, as well as flooding that will make roadways extremely hazardous or impassable. Stay away from downed wires and do not approach or touch trees or limbs that are entangled with wires as they could be extremely dangerous. If those are in state maintained roadways, VDOT crews must await the power company to remove any electrical hazard before addressing downed trees or other roadway debris.
In case you haven’t heard already, we may be getting snow this weekend.
There’s broad agreement among weather forecasters that a storm is on tap for Saturday into Sunday, though the big debate is how much of the precipitation will fall as snow in the D.C. area. As is often the case, our area is around the predicted transition from snow to rain.
More, below, from the Capital Weather Gang, which has yet to get too excited about the possibility of significant snowfall:
Rain and snow are likely to fall in the D.C. region this weekend, as a significant winter storm impacts much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the D.C. area, precipitation could go back and forth from rain to snow during the storm, perhaps mixing with a little sleet. How much snow, and whether it is cold enough for it to accumulate, depends on the exact track of the storm, which is still uncertain.
The storm has the potential to produce anything from mostly rain to shovelable snow across the area, although as of now the odds lean toward more rain than snow. The best chance for accumulating snow is north and west of the District, where temperatures will be the coldest, with decreasing chances to the south and east.
Of course, with a slight change in the track of the storm, we could end up with snowman-worthy accumulation. But the probability of that happening at this point is well below 50%.
Big snowstorm coming?
Perhaps, but not necessarily for the I-95 corridor.
We know:
– there will be a storm off the East Coast
– it will have moisture
– cold air may be iffy/in shorter supplyBasically a 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 chance of big snows NYC/PHL/BWI/DCA. pic.twitter.com/tJUYBuKs13
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) January 1, 2024
Serious uncertainty remains with this weekends storm on track and totals. Areas to the west of the Blue Ridge will likely see snowfall regardless the track of this system.
Here locally, details become difficult. The rain/snow line could cause significant differences in totals.… pic.twitter.com/FjwRXPV7pr
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) January 2, 2024
Given the forecast, and perhaps keeping in mind our area’s propensity for predicted snow storms turning out to be duds, what is your snowfall prediction at this point?
The rain is over but the winds are now blowing.
The drenching Nor’easter storm that passed overnight is bringing gusty winds up to 50 mph in its wake.
Those winds combined with the soggy ground are expected to cause significant power outages, as trees topple and branches fall. As of 9:30 a.m., about 250 Dominion customers are reported to be without power in parts of Arlington — a number that will almost certainly go up over the course of the day.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory, below, in effect through 2 p.m.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, southern and western Maryland, The District of Columbia, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 AM this morning to 2 PM EST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Another impact from the winds: trash bins getting blown over on garbage collection day. Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services is reminding residents to secure their carts.
Where the heck did my curbside carts go?
Don't let the answer be "blowin' in the wind."
Make sure they're secure today.https://t.co/Vh6ynsDlWH pic.twitter.com/kp2chXMejy— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) December 18, 2023
Tonight’s storm is starting to cause flooding.
The earlier Flood Watch has been upgraded to a Flood Warning as the rain continues to fall.
More from the National Weather Service:
…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, including the following , District of Columbia, central Maryland, including the following county, Montgomery, and northern Virginia, including the following counties, Arlington, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church and Fairfax.
* WHEN…Until 400 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 949 PM EST, Gauge reports indicated that water is rising to near flood threshold. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen.
– Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area.
– Some locations that will experience flooding include…Arlington… Alexandria… Bethesda… Reston… Annandale… Fairfax… Vienna… Falls Church… Mantua… Pimmit Hills… Mclean… American Legion Bridge… Rosslyn… Potomac… North Bethesda… Oakton… Lincolnia… Tysons Corner… Takoma Park… Wolf Trap…
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information