The D.C. metro area, central Maryland and Northern Virginia could get about 5″-8″ of snow, and some isolated locations could get more.
Areas toward the west could get 8″-12″ or snow or even higher.
Snowfall may be heavy at times, and all that precipitation will have a big impact, making travel difficult, decreasing visibility and creating icy conditions.
Officials are urging people to stay off the roads Sunday and Monday.
Amtrak announced cancelations of dozens of trains Sunday through Tuesday.
The D.C. region’s first major winter storm of the season is on its way, and it’s expected to pack a punch with several inches likely in the metro area.
That massive storm system will move in late Sunday night, bringing impactful snow through Monday.
Amtrak has canceled dozens of trains along its Northeast Corridor, and Culpeper County Public Schools in Virginia announced snow days for students both Monday and Tuesday. In Loudoun County, residents rushed to the polls Saturday to cast ballots early in a special election so they could be sure to get it done before the snow arrives.
The National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Warning for the region starting Sunday at 10 p.m. through Tuesday at 1 a.m. See all weather alerts here.
How much snow will DC, Maryland and Virginia get?
Expected snow totals have increased as Storm Team4 continues to track the storm.
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The D.C. metro area, central Maryland and Northern Virginia could get about 5″-8″ of snow, and some isolated locations could get more, perhaps up to 10″. If the precipitation stays all snow, we could see possibly a foot in some locations.
Off toward the west, around the Blue Ridge Mountains, we could see about 8″-12″ or even higher.
Lower amounts are expected farther north. Near the Maryland/Pennsylvania border, about 3″-6″ of snow are expected, with the possibility for a little bit of a mix with some freezing rain and sleet.
Winter Storm Warning issued for much of the region
In addition to the National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning, Storm Team4 also has declared a Weather Alert.
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We’re expecting to see snow falling for hours, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith said. Snowfall could be heavy at times, and all that precipitation will have a big impact, making travel difficult, decreasing visibility and creating icy conditions.
The snow is expected to begin late Sunday, with the highest snowfall rates overnight Sunday into Monday morning. It may mix with sleet in some areas Monday morning to afternoon, especially along the Interstate 66 corridor, the weather service said.
Roads, bridges and overpasses will likely be slippery, making travel difficult throughout the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are asking people to avoid travel during the snowfall if possible.
Wet, heavy snow or freezing rain could topple branches and trees, causing power outages.
Closures are likely Monday and could also be possible again Tuesday.
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State of Emergency declared in Virginia; State of Preparedness in Maryland
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency ahead of the winter storm, encouraging people to adjust travel plans to stay off the roads during the snow.
“I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecasted to impact Virginia starting Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said in a statement. “… If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”
In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness for Sunday through Monday.
“Marylanders are cautioned to avoid travel if possible, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards,” a release from Moore’s office said.
Moore warned residents that roads will be icy, and people should avoid travel if possible. Anyone who does need to go anywhere should be extremely careful.
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DC, Maryland, Virginia crews prepare for snow
As crews across the region get ready, we’ve already seen plows and salt trucks out all over the place.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said teams in Northern Virginia are pretreating interstates, primary roads and high-volume secondary roads, as well as bridges, ramps and overpasses.
“Crews will start staging on area roads Sunday morning and will begin treatment as snow begins Sunday evening and night,” VDOT said late Saturday afternoon.
Officials are asking travelers to get to their destinations by Sunday afternoon, and after that, to delay all non-essential travel until after the snow. Any drivers should make sure their vehicles contain emergency supplies.
“Be prepared for a multi-day response to this storm,” VDOT said. Crews will treat interstates first, then primary routes and high-volume secondary roads, and residential streets last.
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Virginia State Police are adjusting the number of state troopers on the roads Sunday and Monday because of the storm.
In D.C., the District Snow Team will be deployed at noon Sunday, and crews will begin pretreating roads at 8 p.m. on all snow emergency routes. Crews have already been pretreating D.C. government properties, including sidewalks, driveways and entryways at police stations, fire stations, shelters and schools.
While you’re out shoveling and salting, you can also lend a hand to your neighbors. The DC volunteer snow program links people who want to help with residents who can’t shovel their own walkways or driveways. Visit snowteam.dc.gov, and choose if you want to volunteer or if you’re a resident who could use the help. People will be paired with others from their own neighborhood. Volunteers can even get the tools they need for free to get the job done.
First school closures announced
Culpeper County Public Schools in Virginia announced all classrooms and offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 6. Classes will also be canceled Tuesday, Jan. 7 for students, but it will be a workday for staff.
NBC4 will share any other school closures as they’re announced, both here and on this list.
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The wintery weather expected to hit the D.C. area has some people hunkering down, and others planning to embrace all the snow. News4’s Joseph Olmo reports.
Amtrak canceling dozens of trains
Amtrak announced dozens Northeast Regional and Acela trains will be canceled:
Sunday, Jan. 5:
Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):
Train 67 canceled
Train 195 canceled between D.C. and Richmond
Train 157 canceled between D.C. and Norfolk
Monday, Jan. 6:
Acela (between Boston and D.C.):
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Trains 2103, 2107, 2108, 2121, 2122 and 2124 canceled
Trains 2150, 2154, 2168, 2170 and 2172 canceled between D.C. and New York
Trains 2151, 2153, 2155, 2159 and 2173 canceled between New York and D.C.
Northeast Regional (between Boston and D.C.):
Trains 141, 94 and 95 canceled between Norfolk and D.C.
Trains 79 and 80 canceled between New York and Raleigh
Tuesday, Jan. 7:
Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):
Train 86 canceled between Richmond and D.C.
Train 84 canceled between Norfolk and D.C.
Amtrak officials said they’ll waive additional charges for travelers looking to change their reservations during the modified schedule. Passengers should call 1-800-USA-RAIL and can follow @AmtrakNECAlerts on X for service alerts regarding the Northeast Corridor.
Safety tips for driving during snowfall
If you must travel during the snowfall, Virginia officials are sharing the following safety tips:
Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to see slick spots on the road and helps other drivers see you better.
Keep your speed down. “Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash,” officials said. “Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.”
Don’t tailgate. You need more distance from other vehicles when driving on slippery roads.
Wear your seatbelt. “Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles,” officials said. “Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.”
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Fill up your gas tank tank in advance. Check your windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire treads and battery life.
Pack winter travel safety items. You should have a window scraper, blankets, bottled water, snacks, a cell phone charger and a flashlight.
Winter weather safety and snow prep tips
The D.C. government shared these tips ahead of the snow:
Make sure you have a snow shovel.
Check and put down your supply of abrasives – deicer, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter – and get more if necessary.
Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight, don’t travel alone and stick to main roads.
Check medications. Make sure you have enough over-the-counter and prescription medications for yourself and any family members or pets.
Clear leaves from your gutters. Call 311 to report any clogged storm drains or other non-emergency hazards.
Check smoke/CO detectors. Install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home and/or replace the batteries in existing devices.
Be safe indoors. Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline-burning device inside your home, basement or garage.
Prevent pipes from freezing by allowing a small trickle of water to drip.
Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.
WASHINGTON – A sunny, dry and mild Tuesday for the Washington, D.C. region, with highs near 71 degrees.
What we know:
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The day starts chilly, with temperatures in the 40s and a few upper 30s in the area. Plenty of sunshine with some light winds that will make for a pleasant afternoon. FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda says it’s a good day for outdoor plans, with temperatures climbing into the low 70s by mid‑afternoon. Winds may turn a bit breezy overnight, but conditions will remain cool and dry.
Rain chances return Wednesday as clouds increase. The morning and early afternoon look mostly dry, but the evening commute could turn soggy on Wednesday. Grenda says to expect two rounds of showers tomorrow – one around 5 p.m. and another after sunset – with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms. The severe weather threat appears to be limited.
Behind the system, Thursday turns cooler and breezy, with highs only in the mid‑60s. Temperatures rebound into the 70s Friday before a warm, more humid stretch arrives over the weekend. Highs could reach the 80s by Saturday and Sunday and the 90s by Monday.
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DC weather: Sunny, mild Tuesday; showers return Wednesday
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.
With a blue sky above the Lincoln Memorial, people walk along the reflection pool in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2023.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
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Jose Luis Magana/AP
A nonprofit is suing the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at Washington D.C.’s National Mall, and to paint the pool’s basin blue.
The suit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), an education and advocacy organization. In the suit, TCLF is asking a federal judge to halt the project, saying that the Trump administration failed to have the project reviewed federally, as is dictated by the National Historic Preservation Act.
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President Trump revealed his plans for the pool do-over last month in “American flag blue,” saying that the project would take one week and $2 million, and that it would be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. A few days later on Truth Social, the president posted a fake image of himself and several of his administration officials in swimsuits, along with an unidentified woman in a gingham bikini, lounging in the water with the Washington National Monument at the rear. (Swimming in the reflecting pool is prohibited by federal law.)
In a YouTube video posted by the White House on April 23, Trump called the pool “filthy dirty” and said it “leaked like a sieve.” In that video, Trump said he was going to call three companies that he has worked with in the past – “all they do is swimming pools” – and say, “Give me a good price.”
The New York Times reported last Friday that the contract for the reflecting pool’s resurfacing was awarded in a $6.9 million no-bid contract to a company called Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which previously has never held any federal contracts.
An employee at the Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed in a telephone call on Monday that it has been contracted for this project, but referred all other questions to the Department of the Interior.
The Times reported on Monday that the final cost of the project could be upward of $13 million, per documents it says it has obtained. The Department of the Interior did not confirm the cost of the project, but wrote: “The contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project—more people, more materials, more equipment and longer hours ahead of our 250th.”
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In an unsigned statement emailed to NPR Monday afternoon, the Interior Department wrote: “The National Park Service chose the best company to expedite the repair of the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of our 250 celebrations. The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. NPS is also investing in a state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds’ from wildlife. The Department is proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come.”
Critics of the project, including TCLF, don’t share that vision – and are taking particular umbrage at the color.
“The reflecting pool should not be viewed in isolation; it is part of the larger ensemble of designed landscapes that comprise the National Mall,” Charles A. Birnbaum, the president and CEO of TCLF, said in a statement emailed to NPR Monday. “The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.”
The National Park Service regularly cleans out algae, goose droppings and other detritus from the reflecting pool. The last major renovation of the reflecting pool, which included the installation of a new circulation and filtration system, took place during the Obama administration at a reported cost of $34 million.
Before founding TCLF in 2008, Birnbaum served for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.
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TCLF has another open lawsuit against the federal administration: it is one of eight cultural and architecture groups currently suing President Trump and the Kennedy Center board over the planned renovations of the complex, which are planned to start in July.
The memorial service will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at 1 p.m.
A brave K-9 hero from the region will be honored at the Annual National Police K9 Memorial Service on Monday afternoon. (Roanoke Police Department)
WASHINGTON D.C. – A brave K-9 hero from the region will be honored at the Annual National Police K9 Memorial Service on Monday afternoon.
K-9 Knox died in the line of duty last year after he was accidentally hit by a police vehicle while pursuing a suspect involved in a stolen vehicle incident. He was a 3-year-old German shepherd and had served as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension K-9 for the Roanoke Police Department since May 2023.
The memorial service will include a wreath-laying ceremony and will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., at 1 p.m. The event will open with a musical performance by Frank Ray, and the guest speaker will be Deputy Jared Hahn of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
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The San Antonio Police Department Blue Line Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band will also perform.
