A winter storm bringing snow and strong winds will force schools in Stafford County, Fredericksburg City, and Spotsylvania County to close on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

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Bitterly cold air is sweeping into the region, but the anticipated snowstorm will largely miss Northern Virginia. Instead, it will track south toward Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, where accumulations are expected to be significant.

According to the National Weather Service, an expansive Arctic high-pressure system is building into the north-central U.S., reinforcing the cold snap. Meanwhile, an area of low pressure developing over the Mississippi River Valley will move toward the Carolinas before heading offshore midweek. As a result, the heaviest snowfall will stay well to the south, sparing much of Northern Virginia, the Washington, D.C. area, and Maryland from significant impacts.

Frigid Temperatures Settle In

Though the region will miss the brunt of the snowstorm, the incoming Arctic air will make for a bitterly cold stretch. Low temperatures will dip into the single digits across higher elevations, with wind chills dropping to -10 to -15 degrees west of the Allegheny Front. Due to dangerously low wind chills, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for those areas.

Elsewhere, temperatures will fall into the mid-teens to mid-20s, with wind chills in the single digits and teens. While winds have diminished somewhat since the weekend, 20 to 30 mph gusts are still possible Tuesday, adding to the chill.

Snow Stays South, But Some Areas May See Flurries

Forecasters say the developing storm system will stay to the south, keeping most accumulating snow out of Northern Virginia and D.C. However, depending on the track and intensity of the system, parts of southern Maryland, particularly St. Mary’s County, may still see snowfall. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for that area, where up to five inches of snow could fall.

Elsewhere, only a few flurries or light snow showers are possible late Tuesday into Wednesday, but no significant accumulation is expected.

Cold Continues Through the Week

After the storm passes, high pressure will take control, keeping conditions dry but cold through the end of the week. High temperatures will likely remain below freezing across much of the region, with nighttime lows plunging into the teens and single digits.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for much of the region. Strong winds are expected to develop Sunday morning and persist through Monday, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph in some areas.

The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, with the strongest gusts anticipated in the afternoon and evening. Wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected. These high winds could cause downed trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid windows, and secure outdoor objects.

Hazardous Travel Conditions

Motorists should exercise extreme caution, especially those driving high-profile vehicles, as travel conditions could be difficult. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph may continue into Monday, increasing the risk of flying debris and hazardous road conditions.

Looking Ahead: Possible Major Snowstorm Midweek

After the high winds subside, all eyes turn to the potential for a significant winter storm midweek. Meteorologists are tracking a coastal low-pressure system that is expected to form off the Carolinas on Wednesday, bringing snow to the region Wednesday into Thursday.

• Forecasters caution that the storm’s exact track is still uncertain. Still, some models suggest a major snow event with accumulations ranging from a few inches to over a foot in some areas. The heaviest snowfall is most likely from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
• Residents are urged to stay updated on forecasts as the storm approaches. Prepare now by:
• Securing outdoor items before Sunday’s high winds
• Checking emergency supplies, including flashlights and batteries
• Having a backup heating source in case of power outages
• Monitoring weather alerts for snowfall updates midweek

As always, stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates on weather conditions and potential school or business closures as the storm develops.

Residents across Northern Virginia woke up to significant snowfall as a winter storm moved through the region overnight, leaving behind impressive snow totals. Areas in Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, and Manassas received up to 9.5 inches of snow, according to trained spotters and National Weather Service (NWS) reports.

Median Snow Totals by Region:

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Updated – The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Snowfall Forecast & Timing

Forecasters predict four to six inches of snow, with some areas possibly receiving higher totals.

• Tuesday Afternoon: Light snow begins across the region.
• Tuesday Evening into Overnight: Snowfall intensifies, becoming steady and heavy at times.
• Wednesday Morning: Additional wintry precipitation is possible before tapering off.

Impact on Travel & Commutes

The Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes could be significantly impacted due to slippery and snow-covered roads. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and prepare for reduced visibility and potential delays.

Midweek & Weekend Weather Outlook

The active weather pattern will continue through the week:

• Wednesday: Snow transitions to a wintry mix, with freezing rain likely in areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a rain/snow mix possible east of the mountains.
• Weekend: Another storm system may bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing the risk of flooding as rain falls on a snow-covered landscape.

How Much Snow Will Fall? Guess & Win!

Think you can predict the total snowfall? Comment with your guess for the official snowfall recorded at Reagan Washington National Airport.

The first correct guess posted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, wins a prize! The winner will be announced later this week.

Updated 2:20 p.m: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Prince William County and surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

A wintry mix of precipitation is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations up to 1 inch and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. The advisory covers the District of Columbia, central Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.

Precipitation will overspread the area Saturday morning, starting as snow. By the afternoon, it will transition to sleet and freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions. By the evening, temperatures will rise, changing the precipitation to cold rain, which may help reduce ice accumulation but could leave roads slick.

While temperatures will hover near freezing, the combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will create slippery roads and difficult driving conditions throughout the day. If you must travel, exercise caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.

The storm will taper off early Sunday, except for lingering snow showers in the Allegheny Mountains. A refreeze is possible overnight as temperatures drop into the upper 20s to near freezing.

Sunday will bring a brief break from wintry weather, with highs in the mid-40s to low-50s north of I-66 and upper-50s further south. However, strong northwesterly winds with gusts up to 35 mph will make for a blustery day.

Monday is expected to be calm but cloudy, with highs in the upper 30s and low 40s. Another potential storm system may develop Tuesday through Thursday, but forecast details remain uncertain.

A winter storm is expected to impact the region starting Wednesday evening, bringing the potential for significant ice accumulation in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for parts of the Potomac Highlands, Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge.

Prince William County is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday. Stafford County is currently not under any advisory.

Winter Weather Advisory Details for Prince William County:

• WHAT: Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch, with ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch.
• WHERE: Portions of northern and northwest Virginia, including Prince William County.
• WHEN: 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday.
• IMPACTS: Slippery road conditions are likely, which could impact the Thursday morning commute.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow begins Wednesday evening, transitioning to steady freezing rain overnight. Temperatures will warm Thursday morning, changing freezing rain to rain.

VDOT Prepares for Icy Roads, Urges Caution

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Northern Virginia District has been spot treating bridges, ramps, and overpasses ahead of the storm. Crews are preparing for the wintry precipitation expected Wednesday into Thursday morning, with freezing rain and sleet likely to create icy road conditions.

VDOT advises limiting travel Wednesday night and delaying travel Thursday morning due to the increased risk of slick roads and hazardous driving conditions. If you must travel:

• Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies.
• Give space to first responders and VDOT crews treating the roads.
• Drive cautiously and be prepared for icy spots on area roads.
• Review winter driving safety tips before heading out.

What to Expect:

• Light wintry mix (freezing rain and sleet) begins Wednesday evening.
• Steady and heavier freezing rain and sleet develop overnight.
• Greatest ice accumulation expected late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
• Elevated surfaces (trees, power lines, bridges) will ice up first, with some slick road conditions possible.
• By late Thursday morning, temperatures will rise above freezing, transitioning all precipitation to rain and helping ice melt.

Impacts & Precautions:

• Travel could become hazardous, especially on untreated roads and overpasses.
• Power outages possible due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines.
• Plan ahead if traveling Wednesday night into Thursday morning, and stay updated on road conditions.

After the storm, Friday will bring drier conditions, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in the mountains to the 50s in lower elevations.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay tuned for updates on this developing winter storm.

(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.

Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”

Get ready for a windy Wednesday across the region, as conditions are expected to be quite blustery throughout the day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a more widespread wind event, with gusts reaching between 40-50 mph in most areas, except for parts of central Virginia and southern Maryland.

Wind Advisory in Effect

A Wind Advisory will be in place from late Wednesday morning into the early evening as a potent front drops south across the area. The gusty conditions will be accompanied by lower relative humidity, raising concerns for fire weather in central Virginia. The winds will slowly subside by late evening but be prepared for sustained gusts during the day.

Temperature Outlook

High temperatures will reach the mid to upper 50s for areas along and east of the Blue Ridge, while the higher terrain of the Allegheny Front will stay more remarkable, with highs in the upper 30s.

Overall, it will be a windy and cool day, so be sure to secure loose outdoor items and take precautions if you’re heading out.