Saturday’s storm will likely cause ice accumulation of more than a quarter of an inch, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Chuck Bell. “Cold, sub-freezing air will be trapped here on the surface while the humid air from the Gulf Coast and the South rises over it.”
Another round of precipitation that will cause more than a quarter of an inch of ice to cover the DC area is forecast for this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
“The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather alert as well as a serious ice storm warning for most of the area, starting tomorrow morning and going through Sunday morning,” said Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper. “A winter mix will develop tomorrow during the morning and midday hours, mainly on the DC subway and locations in the south and east.”
This winter weather warning will run from 10am Saturday to 7am Sunday for much of the DC region.
The accumulation of ice on power lines and tree branches can lead to some power outages.
Saturday’s storm will cause a likely ice accumulation of more than a quarter of an inch, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Chuck Bell. “Cold, sub-freezing air will be trapped here on the surface while the humid air from the Gulf Coast and the South rises over it.”
Bell added that untreated surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks and handrails “will be glazed with ice and extremely slippery”.
“Be prepared to stay home Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday morning,” he advised.
Bell said the storm will pass on Sunday afternoon and most of the DC area will be able to stay at least a few degrees above the freezing point, “this will be critical to improving travel conditions”.
He said another winter storm, which he called a “high-impact event,” will bring more snow and less freezing rain when it comes Monday through Tuesday night.
Another storm “which should have had more rain and less snow arrives on Thursday,” said Bell.
“This is not going to be a fun or enjoyable time,” he warned.
Forecast
- Friday: Mixture of light snow and hail in the southern suburbs, ending in the morning. Cloudy and cold. Maximum between 20 and 30 years.
- Friday night: Very cloudy with gusts after midnight. Blizzard at dawn. Low in the mid-20s to low 30s.
- Saturday: Snow growing in the morning, changing to hail and freezing rain. Significant ice formation is possible between 3-11 pm. Maximum over 20 and under 30.
- Sunday: Freezing rain early, followed by light rain in the afternoon. Possible bursts. Maximum 30 to 30 years.
- Monday: Predominantly cloudy and cold with gusts in the morning, followed by rain and snow showers. High in the 30s.
Current weather
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