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The National Weather Service (web | news) s has issued a winter storm warning from 2 p.m. Sunday to 2 p.m. Monday for D.C, and areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia east of the blue ridge.
In D.C., the heaviest snows are expected to fall between 7 p.m. and midnight Sunday. Mayor Adrian Fenty has declared a snow emergency to go into effect at 4 p.m., which restricts parking on certain city streets. Officials say snow plows and other equipment will be deployed at 2 p.m. to treat roadways, overpasses and residential streets.
According to ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 Meteorologist Steve Rudin potential snowfall by Monday afternoon could reach 5 to 9 inches along the Interstate 95 corridor and 7 to 11 inches along the Chesapeake Bay in close proximity to and south of Annapolis. The western suburbs could get 2 to 5 inches.
The greater metro area could see 1 to 2 inches by 9 p.m. Sunday night and for the overnight hours an additional 4 to 8 inches is possible for areas more north and east.
And as this first major snow storm of the season hit I-95, Virginia Department of Transportation crews were ready.
"If we stop the ice from forming we can easily scrape off snow and it shouldn't be much of a problem," says Mike Salmon, VDOT Spokesman.
As the snow began to fall Saturday, crews prepped major roadways, treating ramps, such as those at the mixing bowl, to prevent icing. Hundreds of trucks and 1,200 pieces of equipment will be on patrol, keeping the lane clear, officials say.
The same is true for crews in the District. Mayor Adrian Fenty declared a snow emergency, warning residents to clear their parked cars and be ready for Monday morning's white blanket.
"There's no way I'm parking here; there's no way. They got the snow plow coming," said Colleen Corrigan, a District resident.
As a result, folks in the Metro area took notice and hit the stores in a rush to prepare for heavy snow that is expected.
The morning rush hour is likely going to be a mess Monday, but there is a bit of good news. Metro says it's ready for the snow. The transit agency says it will run up to 20 trains with deicing equipment. Workers will also have 2,200 tons of rock salt to treat Metro parking lots and sidewalks. "Heater tape" has also been installed on sections of track with significant inclines. Metro plans to run on a normal schedule, opening at 5 a.m.
Forecasters say the wintry weather is the result of a low pressure center moving up the Atlantic Coast.
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Winter Storm Tips for Residents/Commuters |
| · Clear sidewalks |
| · Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks |
| · Clear catch basins and fire hydrants |
| · Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles |
| · Clear all the snow and ice from your vehicle's windows and lights - even the hood and roof - before driving |
| · Put all cleared snow, from parked cars and sidewalks in the front yard or between the curb and sidewalk |
| · Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow. |
| · Use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles. |
| · Watch for slippery bridge decks and black ice |
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