Just when the snow and ice from the last winter storm has mostly cleared, another is making its way toward the D.C. region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area, including Fairfax County, starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). The alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday (Feb. 23).
As of 10:30 a.m. today (Saturday), the NWS is forecasting 100% chance of precipitation tomorrow, with 5 or more inches of total snow accumulation possible. However, the agency admits there remains “a lot of uncertainty with this system” in terms of which areas will see snow and the amounts they can expect.
We've expanded the Winter Storm Watch to include the DC Metro area. There's still a lot of uncertainty with this system, and it's possible that some of the Watch area ultimately goes into a Winter Weather Advisory as opposed to a Winter Storm Warning. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/7vh2qm9SFv
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 21, 2026
The latest projection, issued shortly after 5 a.m. today, suggest around 3 inches of snow in D.C., and higher amounts more likely farther north in Maryland.
The low pressure front is expected to hit hardest in New Jersey and New England, where “blizzard conditions” are possible, according to the NWS forecast.
“This system is forecast to become an impactful winter storm that will bring heavy snow and high winds to portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast,” the agency said. “The highest impacts will likely be felt by coastal areas where the highest snow totals and strongest wind gusts are forecast. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds could result in blizzard conditions, especially from New Jersey into southeastern New England.”
For now, the alert for the D.C. region only advises residents to expect “slippery road conditions” that could affect morning commutes on Monday.
The full alert from the National Weather Service:
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 P.M. SUNDAY TO 10 A.M. EST MONDAY.
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 or more inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
* WHERE…DC and portions of central and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
