Up to 10 inches of snow? DC braces for major weekend storm

A winter storm is headed for the D.C. area, threatening to dump inches of snow, plus sleet and ice this weekend, potentially leading to hazardous travel conditions and school closures and delays.

Snow is expected to move in on Saturday night and continue through Sunday. Frigid temperatures in the teens and 20s will make sure that snow sticks around.

Storm Team4 declared a weather alert for one of the most serious snow threats the D.C. area has seen in years. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the D.C. area. It’s set to be in effect Saturday evening through Monday morning.

It will also be bitterly cold. Wind chills will be in the single digits and teens on Saturday.

How much snow should we expect?

“Around most of metro Washington, I think it’s going to land in that 8 to 10 inch range, depending on how long we see sleet or freezing rain,” meteorologist Chuck Bell said.

However, the big question now is whether sleet will mix in with snow Sunday afternoon and evening around the D.C. area and locations south and east. Warm air aloft near the D.C. area will influence who sees more sleet, which means lower snow totals.

• North and west of D.C., this could be an all-snow event.
• Metropolitan D.C. could see some sleet and freezing rain later on Sunday afternoon.
• Areas south and east of Interstate 95 are expected to get the most sleet and ice, limiting snow totals.

School closures and delays will be possible on Monday, and possibly later in the week, too.

This winter storm is expected to affect millions of people across much of the United States. Major airlines are letting people change their travel plans ahead of the storm, NBC News reports.

DMV braces for winter storm

For now, you have time to prepare. Storm Team4 says you can expect mild to average temperatures through Friday night. Frigid cold will take hold Saturday, but the day is expected to remain dry.

Make sure you have shovels and pet-safe deicer on hand. Grocery shop, refill prescriptions, top off your gas tank or charge your electric car.

DMV residents are already rushing to local grocery stores, stocking up on comforting food, water, firewood, batteries and beer.

A line of cars leading to the Arlington Costco parking lot stretched down the block on Wednesday evening. Take a look:

News4’s Jackie Bensen spoke with shoppers in DC, Maryland and Virginia about what they are buying ahead of the snow storm.

You might notice more trucks out as crews pretreat roads starting Thursday.

Meanwhile, parents and a nonprofit are working to provide free, warm clothing to local kids in winter clothing swaps.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness Wednesday, cautioning residents to avoid travel if possible and keep track of the forecast.

“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” Moore said in a news release. “The safety and security of our residents is our top priority. Please remain vigilant, listen to authorities, use common sense, and complete emergency preparations as soon as possible.”

We’ll keep you updated on how this storm develops. You can download our apps for daily forecast updates.

Fun fact: Did you know this week marks 10 years since the blockbuster “Snowzilla” blizzard hit D.C.?