A Winter Weather Advisory was just issued for Arlington and other D.C. area jurisdictions. Forecasters are currently calling for 1-3 inches of snow locally, mostly falling on Friday.
The advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow. It cautions of slippery road conditions caused by the snowfall.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches north of US-50/I-66 with amounts around 1 inch to the south.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 4 AM to 7 PM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute.
Snow arrives late tonight-Fri. AM. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for 1-3" of snow across most of the region. Locally higher amounts up to 4" are possible north of I-70. The steadiest snow arrives between 6am-12pm Friday. Highest snow totals over the mountains. pic.twitter.com/KZTY4Y2t7H
Earlier: Arlington and the immediate D.C. area is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with several inches of additional snow accumulation expected.
The advisory from the National Weather Service was issued this morning. While light snow is currently falling, adding to the dusting from overnight Sunday into Monday, heavier snowfall is expected later this afternoon and tonight.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1011 AM EST Mon Jan 15 2024
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a brief lull in snow intensity this morning before picking back up again this afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down just prior to daybreak Tuesday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for all of the forecast area through early Tuesday morning. Light snow this morning may ease up around mid-morning before steadier snow overspreads the area mid-afternoon through tonight. Visit https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf for more details. pic.twitter.com/wyid0dWvAd
Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow as some local roads remain slick and snow-covered. The National Park Service, meanwhile, has closed the GW Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway — where construction has been taking place.
The closure is “until further notice,” due to safety concerns during the snow.
From NPS:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area. This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.
A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened. Thank you in advance for your patience.
The drenching Nor’easter storm that passed overnight is bringing gusty winds up to 50 mph in its wake.
Those winds combined with the soggy ground are expected to cause significant power outages, as trees topple and branches fall. As of 9:30 a.m., about 250 Dominion customers are reported to be without power in parts of Arlington — a number that will almost certainly go up over the course of the day.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory, below, in effect through 2 p.m.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, southern and western Maryland, The District of Columbia, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 AM this morning to 2 PM EST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Another impact from the winds: trash bins getting blown over on garbage collection day. Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services is reminding residents to secure their carts.
Haze and heat over the National Mall, seen from the Netherlands Carillon (file photo by Jay Westcott)
Today marks the halfway point of a five-day September heat wave.
A high temperature of 98 is forecast today, with “feels like” temperatures reaching into the 100s. Relief is expected Friday, as high temperatures dip into the upper 80s.
A Heat Advisory is in effect starting at noon today. From the National Weather Service:
730 AM EDT Tue Sep 5 2023
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Heat index values of 100 to 105 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, The District of Columbia, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Usually, one might expect the start of meteorological fall to be more temperate, amid pools closing, white pants getting packed away and and pumpkin spice lattes being served with increasing frequency. Not this year.
What do you think of the late bout of hot weather?
(Updated at 2:10 p.m.) Get ready for three days of sweltering weather.
Ahead of high temperatures in the upper 90s — perhaps rising into the triple digits — paired with high humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday and a watch for Friday.
From NWS:
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values around 105 degrees expected.
* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, central and northeast Maryland, southern Maryland, and portions of northern Virginia into the Virginia Piedmont.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
This afternoon, meanwhile, NWS issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday.
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
The weather service issued the following general advice for beating the heat.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
On top of the hot and sticky conditions, scattered storms are possible through the end of the week.
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 26, 2023
A Heat Advisory has been issued for Thursday. Maximum heat indices in the advisory area are expected to be 105-109 degrees. Outside of the advisory, it will still be hot. Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those outdoors. pic.twitter.com/kgggr7V88z
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 26, 2023
Flags on cars for sale flap in the strong winds at a dealer on Columbia Pike (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County and surrounding areas, including D.C., are currently under a Wind Advisory.
Gusty winds are expected to persist throughout the day an into the overnight hours Wednesday. With gusts of up to 50 mph, downed trees and power outages are possible.
More from the National Weather Service.
523 AM EDT Tue Mar 14 2023
…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Mountain snow showers persist today into tonight. A drier day further east, but a few snow showers over northern MD this A.M. Cold with increasing NW winds gusting to 50 mph this afternoon. Highs only low-mid 40s outside the mountains. #MDwx#VAwx#WVwx#DCwxpic.twitter.com/uyVsIw2Wfr
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 14, 2023
Flags blowing in the wind at Arlington County government headquarters (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County is under a Wind Advisory for much of the day on Saturday.
Rain showers will give way to fog tonight (Friday) before the clouds clear Saturday and the wind starts blowing. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected.
The gusty wind combined with waterlogged ground could topple trees and cause power outage.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
256 PM EST Fri Mar 3 2023
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…West to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued, generally for late tonight into Saturday. Areas of wind damage and scattered power outages expected from gusty NW winds. For more detailed info on timing & locations, visit: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr#DCwx#MDwx#VAwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/4Kfhis40Kw
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 3, 2023
Freezing rain clings to trees in Westover in 2021 (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Freezing rain will likely fall early Thursday, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service.
Arlington could see dangerous, icy conditions on local roads tomorrow morning, forecasters say. Eventually, the frozen precipitation will switch over to just plain rain as temperatures rise during the day.
Gusty winds are also expected on Thursday.
From from NWS:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a glaze to around one tenth of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast and northern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Difficult travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning commute on Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wintry precipitation begins this evening, then becomes more intense tonight into Thursday morning. Warmer air should push in Thursday afternoon changing the precipitation to rain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Ice Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued. Significant icing is likely along and west of the Blue Ridge tonight through Thursday. Ice amounts of 0.25-0.75" are expected. Further east, up to 0.10" of ice is expected north & west of I-95. pic.twitter.com/RamBGLy4gN
The Capital Weather Gang says Arlington is on the approximate line between some ice accumulation and mostly wet roads, with northern portions of the county likely seeing more ice.
D.C.-area forecast: Thursday morning icy spots for some, then a soaking afternoon rain https://t.co/nRN5vXUCxN
VDOT, meanwhile, says it’s preparing to do battle with Mother Nature and try to keep roads passable.
From a VDOT press release:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is mobilizing its equipment and resources in preparation for a winter weather event to impact parts of the Commonwealth Wednesday night into Thursday.
Incoming rain throughout Virginia is forecasted to shift to sleet and freezing rain in the northern, northwestern, and central areas of the Commonwealth beginning around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and going through the morning of Thursday, Dec. 15. This weather event is expected to impact VDOT’s Staunton, Salem, Culpeper, Northern Virginia and Lynchburg districts.
VDOT is paying close attention to the forecast and preparing for what could be a significant icing event. District crews will not apply liquid pretreatment to roads in areas where the event is forecasted to start as rain, which will wash away the pretreatment application. Crews are preparing equipment and will be ready to treat roadways with salt, sand and abrasives as precipitation transitions to sleet or freezing rain.
Motorists should pay attention to weather forecasts in areas where they plan to drive and delay travel on Thursday morning in the impacted areas, especially along the I-81 corridor, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.
Safety and Travel Resources
When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions. […]
Statewide Improvements for the 2022-2023 SeasonIn addition to its traditional year-round snow preparation, VDOT made improvements to address items from the Snow Removal and I-95 Incident Performance Audits by the State Inspector General and the Winter Weather Event and I-95 Interagency After-Action Report by CNA:
Improved contracting to be more flexible, competitive and attractive to contractors to address equipment and personnel shortages.
Improved communications and command structure for better internal and interagency cooperation during crisis events.
Assigned staff to drive routes and report on conditions to supplement traffic cameras.
Acquired a system to allow two-way communications between drivers and VDOT within a defined geographic area.
Continued participation in winter weather exercises, led by The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to foster interagency cooperation.
Resources and Readiness
In addition to operational improvements, VDOT maintains a number of resources to contend with inclement weather.
$220 million statewide budgeted for winter weather in 2022-2023
11,493 pieces of equipment (VDOT-owned and contracted equipment combined, as of Nov. 30)
Approximately 1,148 vehicle contracts in process, and is continuing to receive additional contract bids (as of Nov. 30)
More than 696,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives, and more than 2.3 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine.
Hazy heat at Long Bridge Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
If you think today is hot, bad news: tomorrow is going to be worse.
The National Weather Service has already issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday, calling for heat index values of up to 106 in parts of the D.C. region.
The current NWS forecast for Arlington calls for a high temperature of 95 and a heat index of up to 101.
Forecasters say tomorrow’s heat will be dangerous those who are outside or somewhere without air conditioning. They also recommend staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable relatives and neighbors and making sure kids and pets are not left in unattended vehicles.
The Heat Advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday.
More from NWS:
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
102 PM EDT Wed Aug 3 2022
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 106 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) More than 800 Dominion customers are without power in parts of Clarendon, Lyon Village and Cherrydale.
The outage was reported around 1:30 p.m. Police are on scene along Wilson Blvd in Clarendon, helping to direct traffic that backed up as a result of stop lights going dark.
Dominion says the cause of the outage is a “circuit out.”
Rain and wind have been picking up this afternoon, ahead of potential severe weather later today. The National Weather Service has now issued both a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Wind Advisory for Arlington — as well as much of the region.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch bas been issued for all of our area. A couple of tornadoes possible, isolated hail, and widespread 70MPH wind gusts is expected. pic.twitter.com/qIYYKhuTUr
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) March 31, 2022
Forecasters say that wind gusts up to 50 mph may bring down trees and large branches. From NWS:
141 PM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…District of Columbia, and portions of central, northern and southern Maryland, central and northern Virginia and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Isolated tree damage and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Peggy Fox, a spokeswoman for the power company, said this morning that residents should charge their mobile devices in anticipation of the expected windy weather.
Strong wind gusts may bring down branches & trees today! Plan for possible outages:
1. Charge devices 2. Download @DominionEnergy app. Reporting outage on app or website gets quickest response 3. Be Safe—stay away from downed lines 4. Please don’t plant trees near lines pic.twitter.com/31W65QUlvE
Bob & Edith’s Diner in the snow (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
Get ready for a wintry and windy Saturday.
A Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory, both of which take effect Saturday morning, were just issued for Arlington. Forecasters expect wind gusts up to 55 mph and snow accumulation of 2-4 inches as a storm system moves up the East Coast.
From the National Weather Service:
325 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Northwest winds will gust around 45 to 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of central and northeastern Maryland, northern and central Virginia, and the District of Columbia, including most of the DC and Baltimore metros.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday. Rain will change to snow between 7 and 9 AM early Saturday. The steadiest snow will be through Saturday morning.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Visibility may be reduced to below one- quarter mile at times. Brief near blizzard conditions are possible between 8 and 11 AM.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Also from NWS:
326 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia including the DC and Baltimore metro areas.
* WHEN…From 6 AM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down. Several power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A few gusts to around 60 mph are possible. Strong winds may persist into early Sunday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Prepare for power outages.
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is a bit more measured in terms of its snow accumulation prediction for Arlington, calling for a coating to 2-3 inches of snow accumulation, with higher amounts north and west.
The storm is expected to start as rain before changing over to snow mid-morning. In such scenarios, snows crews typically do not pre-treat roadways as the treatment would be washed away by the time the frozen precipitation starts.
VDOT said Friday afternoon that its plow crews are ready to tackle the snowy onslaught, while asking drivers to stay at home if at all possible.
VDOT Northern Virginia crews are ready for winter weather that is forecast to impact the region Saturday. The forecast shows precipitation starting as rain and turning to snow. Residents should be ready for high wind gusts and below freezing temperatures.
As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts and plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather.
What’s Happening Now
See the Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service for precipitation for Saturday. The forecast includes periods of rain and accumulating snow, as well as increased winds. Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
Crews will mobilize overnight to treat state-maintained roads. Please drive with caution around plow trucks as they are heavy and move slowly.
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, causing potential icy conditions. Treat anything that looks wet as if it could be icy, especially bridges, ramps, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. If there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.
Storm response crews will be ready for possible accumulations/icy conditions from tomorrow's expected late winter event. Remember: Plowing only takes place with at least 2 inches of snow on roads. Know the phases: https://t.co/DuInmBchJW#ArlWXpic.twitter.com/va1nYDBlGh
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 11, 2022
Winter Weather Advisories have been expanded eastward to include much of the I-95 corridor for Saturday morning. Wind Advisories are also in effect for much of the area. This paired with heavy, wet snowfall could lead to some power outages, especially where heaviest snow falls. pic.twitter.com/Ia9bez8Wt2
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 11, 2022
