Messy morning commute? Be ready for the chance of snow Friday – NBC4 Washington
D.C. Region Braces for First Snowfall of the Season, Commute Impacts Expected
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding regions are preparing for a dusting to 2 inches of snow Friday morning, marking the season’s first widespread snowfall. While not expected to be a major storm, the quick-moving system is prompting warnings from local authorities and calls for caution during the morning commute.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the D.C. metro area and locations south, beginning between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. depending on the specific location, and extending until approximately 4 p.m. However, forecasters at Storm Team4 anticipate the advisory may be lifted earlier than expected, potentially by lunchtime, as the snow is predicted to wrap up quickly between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Road Crews Pre-Treat, Agencies Activate Emergency Plans
Local transportation agencies are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential disruptions. The District of Columbia Snow Team began pretreating roads with brine Thursday evening, and will commence salting major roadways and elevated structures at midnight. Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) also initiated pretreatment of major roads Thursday afternoon, urging drivers to exercise caution and provide ample space for road crews. Maryland’s State Highway Administration is similarly engaged in pretreatment efforts, with plows already visible on interstates.
In the District, an Extreme Cold Alert has been activated from Thursday at 8 p.m. through Friday at 9 a.m., triggering additional resources for vulnerable populations. Residents in need of shelter or who observe individuals requiring assistance are encouraged to call 202-399-7093 or 311. For immediate danger, dial 911, providing details about the location and the person’s condition. Information on low-barrier shelters in D.C. can be found online.
School Systems Adjust to Wintry Conditions
Several school districts in Virginia began announcing closures or delayed openings Thursday evening in anticipation of the snowfall. Parents and students are advised to monitor school closing pages for the latest updates. The potential for school disruptions highlights the broader impact of even minor winter weather events on daily life.
Beyond the Beltway: Variable Conditions Across the Region
The extent of snowfall will vary across the region. While areas such as Frederick, Washington County, and far western Maryland may see little to no accumulation, lower Montgomery County and locations south are expected to experience the brunt of the system. Commuters in these areas should allow for extra travel time during the morning rush hour and consider utilizing public transportation or remote work options if feasible.
Temperatures are forecast to remain significantly below normal, hovering around 30°F and peaking in the low 30s Friday afternoon. This chill underscores the importance of dressing warmly and taking precautions against hypothermia, particularly for those spending extended periods outdoors.
A Global Perspective: Winter Weather and Infrastructure Resilience
The preparations underway in the D.C. region reflect a broader global challenge: maintaining infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and intense weather events. According to the World Bank, climate change is exacerbating extreme weather patterns worldwide, leading to increased costs for infrastructure maintenance and repair. In 2022, global economic losses from weather and climate-related disasters totaled approximately US$280 billion, highlighting the significant financial implications of inadequate preparedness.
The D.C. area’s proactive approach – from road pretreatment to emergency shelter activation – demonstrates a commitment to minimizing disruption and protecting residents. However, the event also serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades and climate adaptation strategies to ensure long-term resilience.
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to improve significantly by Friday afternoon and evening, making way for holiday parties and other planned activities. But for the morning commute, vigilance and patience will be key.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
It will be a messy morning out there Friday in the D.C. metro area and areas south as we see this season’s first widespread snowfall. It won’t be a lot of snow, but a dusting to up to 2″ will accumulate in spots.
On Friday morning, snow will move into the area between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., Storm Team4 says. The snow quickly wraps up about 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the D.C. metro area and locations to the south starting between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. (depending on the location) and ending around 4 p.m.
However, Storm Team4 says to expect an early cancellation to the advisory as the snow ends before lunchtime for many locations.
Based on the timing, allow for extra travel time, and if possible, consider using public transportation or work remotely.
Here are the school closures and delays announced so far
In Virginia, some school districts began announcing Thursday evening whether they would be closed or opening on a delay Friday.
Keep an eye on our school closings page for the latest updates.
Temperatures will be around 30° and only topping off in the low 30s Friday afternoon, so temps will be running about 20 degrees below normal.
By Friday afternoon and evening, there should be no more more issues out there. So for holiday parties Friday night, things should be looking just fine.
Local agencies preparing ahead of the wintry weather
In the District:
D.C. is activating an Extreme Cold Alert from Thursday at 8 p.m. through Friday at 9 a.m. If you need help or see someone in need of shelter, please call 202-399-7093 or 311. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911. When calling, include the date and time, the address or location, and a description of the person in need. You can find info on low-barrier shelters in D.C. online here.
The District Snow Team will be deployed and will begin pretreating roads with brine Thursday at 7 p.m. and will start salting major roadways and elevated structures at midnight.
In Virginia:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said Thursday afternoon it was pretreating major roads ahead of the wintry weather. VDOT officials are urging drivers to be careful and give road crews enough space to perform their work safely.
In Maryland:
Maryland’s State Highway Administration says pretreatment is underway. Chopper4 got a glimpse of the plows out on interstates.
In Charles County, the Department of Public Works is hard at work ahead of what’s expected for Friday.
Crews are getting the roads ready, while residents shared mixed feelings about the expected snow. News4’s Dominique Moody reports.
What about farther out from the DC metro area?
Areas such as Frederick, Washington County and far western Maryland might not get anything, but in lower Montgomery County and below, you’re going to want to allow extra time for that morning commute.
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