WASHINGTON — One of the most significant winter weather threats to hit the nation’s capital in years is set to arrive this weekend. Storm Team4 has declared a Weather Alert for Washington, D.C., and the surrounding suburbs, as an Arctic blast sets the stage for a high-impact combination of heavy snow, sleet, and dangerous freezing rain.
The storm, which meteorologists are tracking as a “Category 4” on local impact scales, is expected to paralyze travel starting late Saturday night and lasting through much of Sunday.
Timing the Storm: What to Expect
The D.C. area will experience a dramatic shift in conditions over the next 48 hours. Here is the current timeline for the storm’s arrival:
- Friday Night – Saturday Morning: Temperatures will plummet into the low teens and single digits. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect as wind chills dive to -5°F to -10°F.
- Saturday Evening (6 PM – 11 PM): Light snow begins to develop from the southwest, likely coating the ground before midnight.
- Late Saturday Night – Sunday Morning: Snow intensity increases. Rapid accumulation of 1 to 2 inches per hour is possible.
- Sunday Afternoon: The “transition zone” moves in. Snow is expected to mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain, particularly south and east of the Beltway.
- Sunday Night: Precipitation tapers off into freezing drizzle, leaving a hazardous “conglomeration” of ice and snow that will be extremely difficult to clear.
Snow Totals: Who Gets the Most?
Snowfall amounts will be highly dependent on the “mixing line”—the point where cold air at the surface meets a layer of warmer air aloft.
| Region | Predicted Snowfall | Primary Hazard |
| D.C. & The Beltway | 6–10 Inches | Heavy snow followed by sleet |
| North & West (Leesburg, Frederick) | 10–14 Inches | Pure, heavy snow; limited mixing |
| South & East (Alexandria, Waldorf) | 4–7 Inches | Significant ice and freezing rain |
Storm Team4 Alert: D.C. Braces for Major Winter Storm with 6–10+ Inches of Snow and Crippling Ice
WASHINGTON — One of the most significant winter weather threats to hit the nation’s capital in years is set to arrive this weekend. Storm Team4 has declared a Weather Alert for Washington, D.C., and the surrounding suburbs, as an Arctic blast sets the stage for a high-impact combination of heavy snow, sleet, and dangerous freezing rain.
The storm, which meteorologists are tracking as a “Category 4” on local impact scales, is expected to paralyze travel starting late Saturday night and lasting through much of Sunday.
Timing the Storm: What to Expect
The D.C. area will experience a dramatic shift in conditions over the next 48 hours. Here is the current timeline for the storm’s arrival:
- Friday Night – Saturday Morning: Temperatures will plummet into the low teens and single digits. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect as wind chills dive to -5°F to -10°F.
- Saturday Evening (6 PM – 11 PM): Light snow begins to develop from the southwest, likely coating the ground before midnight.
- Late Saturday Night – Sunday Morning: Snow intensity increases. Rapid accumulation of 1 to 2 inches per hour is possible.
- Sunday Afternoon: The “transition zone” moves in. Snow is expected to mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain, particularly south and east of the Beltway.
- Sunday Night: Precipitation tapers off into freezing drizzle, leaving a hazardous “conglomeration” of ice and snow that will be extremely difficult to clear.
Snow Totals: Who Gets the Most?
Snowfall amounts will be highly dependent on the “mixing line”—the point where cold air at the surface meets a layer of warmer air aloft.
| Region | Predicted Snowfall | Primary Hazard |
| D.C. & The Beltway | 6–10 Inches | Heavy snow followed by sleet |
| North & West (Leesburg, Frederick) | 10–14 Inches | Pure, heavy snow; limited mixing |
| South & East (Alexandria, Waldorf) | 4–7 Inches | Significant ice and freezing rain |
Export to Sheets
The “Ice Concern”: Power Outage Risks
While the double-digit snow totals are grabbing headlines, Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer warns that freezing rain may be the more dangerous threat. Unlike sleet (clear ice pellets that bounce), freezing rain freezes on contact with surfaces.
“I’m very worried about power outages in Southern Maryland and parts of Northern Virginia,” Kammerer said. “The farther south you go, the more chances you have for freezing rain. If we see more than a quarter-inch of ice accretion, tree limbs and power lines will come down.”
Regional Preparations
Mayor Muriel Bowser has already deployed the District Snow Team. Brining operations on major roadways began Thursday evening, and full treatment crews will be stationed starting at noon on Saturday.
Public Safety Reminders:
- Travel: Officials strongly advise staying off the roads on Sunday. If you must drive, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Pet Safety: With subzero wind chills, limit your pets’ time outdoors to quick relief breaks only.
- Heating Safety: Do not use gas ovens or charcoal grills to heat your home if the power goes out.
The Arctic air is expected to linger well into next week, meaning any snow and ice that falls this weekend will not melt quickly. Residents should prepare for likely school closures on Monday and potential disruptions through Wednesday.