Though a flurry of flakes rushed through the area in late November, this weekend could bring D.C. area’s first serious snowfall of the season.
The National Weather Service is currently predicting a 70% chance of precipitation today (Friday), with rain likely turning into snow mixed with rain after 3 p.m. Less than half an inch of snow is expected.
While a sunny day is anticipated tomorrow (Saturday), NWS says there will be “an elevated winter storm threat” in the D.C. region, including Fairfax County, starting Sunday night into Monday (Jan. 6). The chance of precipitation ranges from 100% on Sunday to 90% on Monday.
“There is increasing confidence in regards to potential travel impacts and closures, especially for the Monday commutes,” the NWS said in a recent social media post.
The storm is expected to arrive from the southwest and has a roughly 50% chance of delivering at least 3 inches of snow, according to the Capital Weather Gang, though as of yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, they were also hedging with a 20% chance of less than an inch.
As the storm gets closer, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to mobilize crews across Northern Virginia in the event that 2 or more inches of snow are forecast. Interstates and other major roads, bridges, ramps and overpasses will be pretreated with salt brine tomorrow.
VDOT crews across Virginia are preparing for weekend wintry weather. Be alert for crews pre-treating roads and if you see our trucks out working, please be patient, slow down, stay back and give slow-moving tanker trucks room to safely work. pic.twitter.com/m14U4aAmJg
— VDOT (@VaDOT) January 3, 2025
“As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts, limit travel as the heaviest snow and ice moves through, and be aware of the potential for icy spots as freezing temperatures remain through the week,” VDOT said in an update.
The department is advising community members to avoid non-essential travel during the snowstorm, noting on its website that approximately 70% of all snow-related deaths occur in automobiles.
The storm could prolong winter break for Fairfax County students, who have been out of school since Dec. 23 and are currently due to return to classes on Monday.
Fairfax County Public Schools typically announces weather-related cancellations the evening before a storm to give families time to make child care arrangements. After experimenting with some virtual days, the school system restored a full 11 snow days to its calendar last winter.
Overall, the NWS predicted in October that the D.C. area will get another mild winter, with more rain and sleet than snow in the mix.
