Today’s promised warning shot of snow has begun to fall in Fairfax County.
The National Weather Service has issued at “Snow Squall Warning” for parts of the county after one was spotted at 3:27 p.m. in the Annandale and Lincolnia area, moving east at 45 mph.
A snow squall is defined as an intense but quick “period of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds and possibly lightning,” according to the NWS.
“Intense bursts of heavy snow,” the alert said. “Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile. Wind gusts up to 35 mph.”
Affected areas could include Alexandria, Annandale, Springfield, Fairfax, Groveton, Huntington, Mantua, Burke, Oakton, Franconia, Merrifield, Lake Barcroft, West Springfield and the I-395 and I-495 interchange in Springfield.
By 3:47 p.m., the squall had moved over Fort Hunt at a speed of 35 mph. The warning is scheduled to expire at 4:30 p.m., but despite its brevity, the storm could still be dangerous, particularly for those hitting the road for the afternoon rush-hour.
“Reduce speed and turn on headlights! During snow squalls, the visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions,” the NWS said. “Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location.”
With freezing temperatures potentially continuing into the early morning, Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all activities on school grounds tonight through 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
Even more snow is expected to come this weekend. The Capital Weather Gang is currently forecasting four to eight inches to fall Sunday night into Monday (Jan. 6) in D.C. and its immediate suburbs, including Fairfax County.
The initial Snow Squall Warning is below:
* Snow Squall Warning for… The south central District of Columbia… West central Prince Georges County in central Maryland… The southeastern City of Fairfax in northern Virginia… East central Fairfax County in northern Virginia… The southern City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…
* Until 415 PM EST.
* At 327 PM EST, a dangerous snow squall was located over Lincolnia, or over Annandale, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD…Intense bursts of heavy snow. Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile. Wind gusts up to 35 mph.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Dangerous and life-threatening travel conditions are expected to develop rapidly in the warning area.
This includes Interstate 95 in Maryland between mile markers 1 and 3.
Locations impacted include… Alexandria, Annandale, Springfield, Fort Washington, Fairfax, Groveton, Huntington, Mantua, National Harbor, Burke, Oakton, Lincolnia, Franconia, Oxon Hill, Merrifield, Lake Barcroft, Friendly, Temple Hills, I395 and I495 Interchange, and West Springfield.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Reduce speed and turn on headlights! During snow squalls, the visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions.
Consider avoiding or delaying travel until the snow squall passes your location. If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents.
