Snow Estimates Increase, Winter Weather Advisory Out For DC, NoVA

WASHINGTON, DC — Estimates have increased for the first snowfall of 2020 in the Washington, D.C., region, which should arrive on Tuesday afternoon in time to make the evening commute a slick one. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, calling for 1 to 2 inches of snow in parts of northern Virginia. Officials expect snow will be the heaviest Tuesday afternoon into early evening.

Snow may fall at a rate of greater than 1 inch per hour, with visibility limited to one-half mile at times. Forecasters anticipate the heaviest snow between 3 and 6 p.m.

Roads may be snow-covered and slippery, especially northwest of Interstate 95 into the evening commute, according to the advisory.

The winter weather advisory is effective from noon to 7 p.m. for the District of Columbia, Arlington, Falls Church and Alexandria.

Officials urge drivers to slow down and be extra careful. People should give themselves extra time to get where they are going.

Pedestrians should watch their first few steps outside on sidewalks, driveways and steps, which may be slippery and icy.

According to the National Weather Service, a mix of rain and snow moves in after 10 a.m., becoming all snow after 4 p.m. Forecasters put the chance of precipitation at 100 percent.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews have pre-treated trouble spots in higher elevations. Drivers will see trucks staging throughout the region Tuesday to prepare to plow and treat roads as needed. Follow @vadotnova on Twitter for the latest.

Several northern Virginia school systems have announced closures or early dismissals. Drivers are warned that rush-hour volumes are expected to begin earlier than usual Tuesday, while snow bands are making their way across the area.

VDOT asks drivers to:

• Continue to closely monitor weather, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly. Stay tuned to local media for the real-time status of weather bands before traveling, due to the likelihood for limited visibility.

• Delay travel for your safety and to give trucks time to treat roads if road conditions become hazardous. Leave earlier or delay trips to avoid driving during the height of the storm.

• Before traveling, check road conditions along your route at www.511virginia.org, on the free app for Apple and Android, or call 511.

• Be aware of the potential for slick spots on areas prone to freezing such as bridges, ramps and overpasses.

• Allow extra time for trips, brake lightly and allow plenty of following distance. Ensure enough gas and plenty of wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, an emergency car kit, and always use your headlights.

• Give trucks plenty of room to work, because they are large, heavy and slow.

Skies will clear Wednesday and the rest of the work week should be dry, but rain will return Saturday.

Here's the full forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Rain and snow after 10am, becoming all snow after 4pm. High near 41. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow before 10pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 39. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

Friday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%.