Fairfax County could be visited by some wintry weather on Christmas Eve.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the county and other parts of the D.C. area in anticipation of freezing rain and a potential “dusting” of snow tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Freezing rain expected,” the NWS said in its alert. “Total ice accumulation of a light glaze to a few hundredths of an inch. A dusting to one tenth of an inch of snow is possible.”
The precipitation will coincide with a busy morning for holiday travel, along with the usual morning rush-hour for those not taking the day off work, the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management noted in a blog post.
While no “significant impacts” are expected, even small amounts of ice and snow accumulation could create hazardous road conditions when combined with cold temperatures, “especially on untreated roads, bridges and overpasses,” the county says.
“If you need to drive, reduce speed, allow extra following distance and be alert for icy patches,” the county said. In addition, pedestrians are advised to “watch your step on sidewalks, driveways and outdoor stairs, which may be icy.”
.@NWS_BaltWash has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook and a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. A wintry mix, including freezing rain, is expected during this time.
Learn more: https://t.co/f31GUteV8Q pic.twitter.com/31YHmIYe6C
— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) December 23, 2024
Temperatures will reach a high of 43 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow, with the precipitation turning into regular rain as the day gets warmer, according to the NWS forecast.
With any snow expected to melt in the afternoon, anyone hoping to see the D.C. area’s first white Christmas since 2009 will likely be disappointed. The NWS isn’t projecting any additional winter weather this week.
For anyone in need of shelter during tomorrow’s chilly weather or at any other point this winter, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission has compiled lists of homeless shelters and daytime drop-in centers. Fairfax County’s annual Hypothermia Prevention Program is also operating until March 31, 2025.
The full Winter Weather Advisory from the NWS is below.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 1 PM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulation of a light glaze to a few hundredths of an inch. A dusting to one tenth of an inch of snow is possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 5 AM to 1 PM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation begins as light freezing rain early Tuesday morning along and west of US-15 between 5-7am, then begins along the Interstate 95 corridor around or just before sunrise (6-9am). Some snow could mix in at times, though that is most likely along and north of Interstate 70. Precipitation transitions to a mix of rain and freezing rain late Tuesday morning, before coming to an end early Tuesday afternoon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
