The first major snowstorm to hit DC, Maryland and Virginia this year is bringing heavy snow and teeth-chattering temperatures below freezing. Here’s what you need to know:

A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service went into effect for the D.C. region at 10 p.m. Sunday. It ends at 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

WTOP meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts predicts between 6 inches and 12 inches of snow accumulation across the region once this storm passes.

“The snow will increase in intensity during the midday hours. However, the main body of this storm will pass overhead this evening,” Ricketts said.

A second dose of winter weather this afternoon could result in a few more inches of snow, bringing expected snow totals to over 5 inches for most of the area.

“Whatever falls is likely to stick,” said Mark Peña, 7News First Alert meteorologist.

The National Weather Service said it expects the weather to improve in the early morning hours, dampening Monday traffic across the Capital Region.

“Expect travel conditions to continue to deteriorate over the next few hours with snowfall of an inch or more per hour,” the weather service said early Monday.

National Weather Service officials said they expect heavier snowfall from west to east between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Later snowfall will likely mix with sleet and freezing rain before much of the snowstorm ends around 9 p.m

With snow levels increasing, 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said the storm could be the largest snow event in the region since 2019.

“The last time we had 11 inches was January 23, 2016. … This storm delivered a total of 17.8 inches of snowfall, ending the following day,” Johnson said Sunday evening.

Johnson said there is a 90 percent chance that between 6 and 9 inches of snow will fall across much of the D.C. area – the last time half a foot of snow fell in the area was in January 2022.

Temperatures will remain below freezing Monday and remain in the upper 20s with winds between 5 and 10 mph. Johnson said the area could face some road closures and power outages in the evening hours.

“That’s why I think, yeah, there’s going to be a little bit of sleet – we mentioned it’s basically just a little bit of ice, right – but then the wind will pick up late Monday and throughout the day on Tuesday. And I really believe that it will be late Monday, early Tuesday when we can see the higher number of power outages due to the winds,” Johnson said. “Our winds could gust around 35 to 40 miles per hour.”

As soon as it snows, persistent cool winds can be expected. Forecasters said highs will remain in the 20s through the end of the week. Over the weekend there will be a slight rise in temperature to over 30°C.

The closures continue across DC, Maryland and Virginia

Several school districts and government agencies across the region announced closures, delays and other scheduling changes in anticipation of the snowstorm. Follow the latest changes on the WTOP Closures and Delays page.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency until the end of Tuesday. The decision activates several snow-related emergency powers, including the right to tow any cars parked along snow emergency routes during the storm.

To avoid having your vehicle removed, check the marked routes on the DC government website.

Additionally, DC residents with animal emergencies should contact the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, which came into effect on Sunday and will last at least until Monday.

“The safety of Marylanders is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case the power goes out,” said a news release from Moore’s office.

“Immediate action is being taken to protect Marylanders. “Law enforcement is increasing staffing and standing by as needed, while public health, human services and utilities agencies continually prepare for potential impacts of the storm,” his office said.

In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin took similar steps and declared a state of emergency. Virginia Department of Transportation officials advised travelers to stay off the roads.

“I encourage all Virginia residents, visitors and travelers to remain vigilant, monitor the weather forecast and prepare now for potential impacts,” Youngkin said.

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Traffic concerns increase ahead of the morning commute

Officials have declared states of emergency in the District, Maryland and Virginia after the National Weather Service said traveling by car “could be very difficult.”

“Roads, and particularly bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick and dangerous,” the National Weather Service said.

On Monday morning, Metro officials announced a change to their plans for Metrobus and rail service in the D.C. area, moving to a “heavy snow plan due to worsening conditions and impassable roads on several routes.”

“Under this plan, 42 out of 193 bus routes will operate. As road conditions change throughout the day, service may be further reduced or re-added if necessary,” WMATA said.

For more information about which routes are affected and what services are available, visit the WMATA severe weather page.

Sharon Kershbaum, director of the D.C. Department of Transportation, said WTOP teams in the District worked in the early morning hours to clean and clear snow-covered roads around the city.

“If you don’t need to travel, please don’t travel. Stay home. … If you need to drive safely, drive slowly,” Kershbaum said.

Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman Alex Liggitt also said the department is advising people in the commonwealth to avoid travel on Monday if possible.

“If you don’t need to be out there – if you’re a non-essential worker – please just stay off the road and really give our teams enough time to get there and spend as many hours there as possible without anyone there.” is out,” Liggitt told WTOP.

Liggitt said the driver shortage will allow snow plows and emergency responders to continue working area roads without having to worry about accidents and impaired drivers.

“This really helps us without causing more incidents on the roads,” he said.

If you absolutely must drive, officials recommend bringing a winter storm kit with tire chains, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets “and anything else that will help you survive in case you get stuck.”

The Fairfax Connector bus service in Fairfax County, Virginia, said Monday morning that it had suspended service due to the weather and would “reevaluate service levels later in the morning.”

The Maryland Transit Administration also recommends that riders on buses, trains and other public transportation wear weather-appropriate clothing and allow extra time for the commute on Monday morning.

“We also encourage passengers to read service alerts on the MTA website,” the agency said Sunday.

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