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Sunday, Jan 25, 2026
Outside the box.
Winter Storm Warning Issued as Heavy Snow and Ice Target Washington, Maryland and Virginia
Significant snow accumulations of eight to twelve inches are expected Sunday into Monday, with dangerous travel conditions and freezing temperatures forecast across the region
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region as a vigorous winter system bears down on the Mid-Atlantic, bringing a substantial snowfall and hazardous conditions beginning late Saturday night and lasting into Monday morning.
The National Weather Service and local forecasters predict snow, sleet and freezing rain across the area as bitter Arctic air funnels into the region, creating a prolonged period of winter weather.
Snow is expected to begin after dark on Saturday and intensify overnight, with the heaviest snowfall occurring Sunday and continuing into the early hours of Monday.
Most forecast models indicate widespread accumulations of eight to twelve inches across the core metropolitan area, with some localized totals higher in northern and northwestern suburbs where the snow is less likely to change to sleet or freezing rain.
As temperatures hover in the twenties to low thirties Fahrenheit, the precipitation is likely to mix with sleet and ice in southern and eastern portions of the region, complicating travel and increasing the risk of power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and lines.
Authorities have urged residents to stay off roads once the storm begins, stressing that travel could become very difficult or nearly impossible at times.
Emergency declarations are already in place in parts of the District, Maryland and Virginia, with preparations underway to support snow removal, emergency response and utility operations.
Alongside the snow threat, bitter cold will follow the storm, with wind chills potentially dropping into the single digits for several days, raising concerns about prolonged cold exposure and extended cleanup efforts.
The cumulative impact of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain will likely disrupt commutes, prompt school closures and slow post-storm recovery, particularly as crews contend with significant ice and snow cover.
Residents are advised to complete preparations early, including securing supplies, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and avoiding non-essential travel until conditions improve later in the week.
The National Weather Service and local forecasters predict snow, sleet and freezing rain across the area as bitter Arctic air funnels into the region, creating a prolonged period of winter weather.
Snow is expected to begin after dark on Saturday and intensify overnight, with the heaviest snowfall occurring Sunday and continuing into the early hours of Monday.
Most forecast models indicate widespread accumulations of eight to twelve inches across the core metropolitan area, with some localized totals higher in northern and northwestern suburbs where the snow is less likely to change to sleet or freezing rain.
As temperatures hover in the twenties to low thirties Fahrenheit, the precipitation is likely to mix with sleet and ice in southern and eastern portions of the region, complicating travel and increasing the risk of power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and lines.
Authorities have urged residents to stay off roads once the storm begins, stressing that travel could become very difficult or nearly impossible at times.
Emergency declarations are already in place in parts of the District, Maryland and Virginia, with preparations underway to support snow removal, emergency response and utility operations.
Alongside the snow threat, bitter cold will follow the storm, with wind chills potentially dropping into the single digits for several days, raising concerns about prolonged cold exposure and extended cleanup efforts.
The cumulative impact of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain will likely disrupt commutes, prompt school closures and slow post-storm recovery, particularly as crews contend with significant ice and snow cover.
Residents are advised to complete preparations early, including securing supplies, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and avoiding non-essential travel until conditions improve later in the week.
