Community Corner

National Weather Services Issues Winter Storm Warning for Metro Area

Northern Virginia could see the heaviest snowfall since 2011, AAA says.

The National Weather Service this afternoon issued a Winter Storm Warning, in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The earlier Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.

The NWS estimates Northern Virginia will get 4-6 inches of snow, with the heaviest snow falling late Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the Washington metro area could see the heaviest snowfall since 2011, with the potential of 6 or more inches of snow, according to the latest Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The snow plus freezing temperatures could make for a difficult commute, warns AAA Mid-Atlantic.

“A winter storm is getting ready to deliver a wicked one-two punch to area motorists with arctic temperatures and potentially six inches of snowfall,” said Mahlon G. (Lon) Anderson, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Managing Director of Public and Government Affairs. “Drivers who must venture out should make sure their vehicles are prepared and to drive cautiously and defensively. Also, keep an emergency kit in the trunk should you run into any problems during your commute as the warning does extend from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.”

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Temperatures will drop into the teens, with wind-chill values in the single digits Tuesday afternoon, dropping to -10 Tuesday night.

Watch for windy conditions with gusts up to 25 MPH Tuesday night. 

Roads will be covered in snow and slippery; the blowing snow will make it hard to see, reducing visibility to below a half-mile at times. Traveling may be dangerous Tuesday.

Both the morning and evening commutes will likely be impacted by the weather. 

A Winter Storm Warning means the area will see heavy snow with severe winter weather conditions. Residents should only travel in an emergency. The NWS suggests keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in your car.


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