D.C. Region Gears Up for Snowy Sunday Night

Storm Builds with Rapid Changes (Image Credits: Wtop.com)

Washington D.C. region – A powerful storm system approached the capital area Sunday, promising rain that would shift to a wintry mix and eventually heavy snow into Monday morning.[1][2]

Storm Builds with Rapid Changes

Rain arrived across much of the D.C. metro early Sunday, setting the stage for deteriorating conditions. Temperatures hovered in the mid-30s, keeping initial precipitation as cold rain before the transition began.

Forecasters noted the shift to a wintry mix by afternoon, with snow dominating Sunday evening and overnight hours. Heaviest snowfall rates targeted late Sunday night, potentially reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in stronger bands. The system intensified offshore, pulling colder air southward and enhancing accumulation potential.[3]

National Weather Service updates confirmed the pattern, with snow tapering by Monday morning as the low pressure center moved away. Lingering showers remained possible into the early commute.

Snow Totals Vary by Location

Accumulations promised measurable impacts without reaching historic levels in the core D.C. area. The District faced 3 to 4 inches by Tuesday morning, according to detailed forecasts.[1]

Areas north and east of the Beltway saw higher projections, with 5 to 10 inches under Winter Storm Warnings. Central Maryland and northern Virginia aligned closer to 3-6 inches overall.[2][3]

Authorities Mobilize Amid Warnings

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the District from 5 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday, highlighting 2 to 4 inches of snow and gusty winds up to 35 mph. Winter Storm Warnings covered counties like Montgomery and Anne Arundel in Maryland, plus parts of northern Virginia, forecasting 5 to 10 inches or more.

Blizzard Warnings activated farther east in Maryland’s Queen Anne’s and Dorchester Counties, where 12 to 20 inches loomed with severe visibility drops. Local responses ramped up accordingly.

• D.C. initiated salt treatment on major roadways at noon Sunday and activated hypothermia shelters under a Cold Alert.
• Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness, advising residents to avoid travel and prepare for outages.
• Montgomery County deployed transportation crews at noon, offering free garage parking through Monday.
• Prince George’s County planned roadway pretreatment and suspended TheBus service Sunday.
• Virginia crews delayed pretreatment due to initial rain but urged staying off roads Sunday night.

Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman Alex Liggitt emphasized, “Stay home if you can on Sunday and allow us to get out there and do our job to try to get these roads cleared as quickly as possible.”[1]

Travel and Commute Disruptions Ahead

Slick roads emerged as the primary concern Sunday night, with falling snow and winds reducing visibility. Monday’s morning rush faced the worst, as untreated side streets and highways turned hazardous.

Power outages posed risks from heavy, wet snow weighing on branches, especially in gustier zones. Schools eyed delays or closures, while airlines monitored for cancellations. Meteorologists warned of blustery follow-up, with wind chills in the 20s through Tuesday.

As the storm exits, residents should prioritize safety amid the first notable snowfall of the season. Clear paths early and monitor updates for changes. What are your plans for the snow? Share in the comments.

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Sumi Sarkar

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