WASHINGTON – A potentially historic winter storm is heading toward the Mid-Atlantic, and snow totals are expected to reach up to 12 inches in some areas of the DMV.

When does the snow start?

Snowfall will begin Sunday evening and the heaviest snowfall will occur during the overnight and early morning hours of Monday and continue into the afternoon hours.

“This will take us into the early hours of the day. And then we’re talking about heavy snowfall and it’s going to stay very cold out there. The snow will stick to the ground and not go anywhere because our surface temperatures can handle that snow,” FOX 5’s Gwen Tolbart said in the latest weather forecast for Sunday morning.

Winter Storm Warning issued for DMV

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for DC, central Maryland and northern Virginia. According to authorities, the warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday evening until 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

What to expect when traveling

With snowfall starting Sunday night into Monday, travel will certainly be affected. Any untreated roads, bridges and overpasses will become slippery and dangerous for travel.

FOX 5’s Gwen Tolbart warns: If you don’t need to venture out, you may want to stay inside once the snow arrives.

Some areas may experience a wintry mix of sleet, ice or freezing rain. Pedestrians also need to be careful.

If you are planning to catch a flight, the chances of flight cancellations or delays due to bad weather are very high. Call ahead and plan accordingly.

The models still show clear winter weather. Snow outbreaks, any shift in the storm’s track, and the amount of snow mix in a given area affect snow depth.

Latest weather updates on FOX Local. Find out about current school closures and delays.

Stay with the FOX 5 Weather team for the latest forecast updates and view the updated list of closures and delays. The FOX LOCAL app is your source for live weather updates for FOX 5 DC. Click here to download.

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