High Winds Bring Chill to Northern Virginia

Tears froze to the sides of Ralik Edmonds' face Wednesday morning, a testament to how cold the morning commute was.

Edmonds, 33, of Falls Church, said he doesn't remember the last time he felt cold temperatures like these, and can't wait for this weather to be a distant memory.

"This is insane," Edmonds said before rushing inside the West Falls Church Metro station. "It's bitter cold out here and it's making the commute unbearable."

Heavy winds and cold temperatures in Northern Virginia are byproducts of cold fronts from the west and the New England area, said National Weather Service technician Trina Heiser.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected throughout the day in Northern Virginia and temperatures are expected to stay in the low to mid-20s Wednesday, Heiser said.

With the wind chill factor, Heiser said it will feel like it is in the mid- to high teens.

Crystal Wadsworth, 25, of Washington, D.C., darted out of the West Falls Church Metro station and just missed her bus. Wrapped in a scarf, wool knit hat and long, black wool coat, Wadsworth said she isn't used to temperatures being this cold.

After waiting for about five minutes at the busy transportation hub, Wadsworth signaled for a cab.

"Weather like this is why I am considering buying a car," Wadsworth said. "This is bone chilling, pneumonia weather."

Heiser said the weather isn't going to warm up any time soon. She said the wind gusts are only going to be around until Thursday.

"These temperatures are going to hold for a while, more than likely into next week," Heiser said. "It's going to be this cold for sure for the rest of the week."

Heiser said there is also a 30 percent chance of a light snow in Northern Virginia on Thursday. No accumulation is expected, she said.