A powerful coastal storm will slam the Washington, D.C. area Sunday, dropping several inches of snow and whipping up winds over 40 mph. The storm's peak comes Sunday night into Monday morning, with winter storm watches already in place for parts of Maryland, Virginia, and the District.
Key Takeaways
- Snow totals range from 3-6 inches in DC and northern Virginia to 9-16 inches or more near Baltimore and coastal spots.
- Winds could gust 40-50 mph or higher Sunday evening, raising blizzard risks close to the shore.
- Storm starts Sunday afternoon with possible cold rain early, turning to heavy snow bands later.
- Travel plans for Sunday night? Rethink them. Roads will turn slick fast.
Background
This storm has been on weather radars all week. Models argued over its path and power. Some showed it bombing out early off the coast. Others kept it weaker. But now, forecasters agree: it's strengthening into a big one. A coastal low pressure system slides in early Sunday. It deepens fast Sunday afternoon. That pulls in cold air. Snow follows.
La Niña patterns this winter favor these setups. The jet stream wiggles north. Storms hug the East Coast. Remember last year's nor'easters? Similar deal. Cold air fights warm ocean waters. The clash makes heavy snow bands. DC sits right in the mix.
Winter storm watches went up Friday afternoon. They cover northern Maryland, including Baltimore. Parts of northern Virginia too. The alerts run from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. National Weather Service says prepare for snow and wind. Coastal flood watches join in for some shore spots Sunday night to Monday dawn.
And it's not just DC. The whole Mid-Atlantic feels it. From western mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Models shifted Friday. They now show the low deepening off the coast. That means colder air rushes in sooner. Snow, not rain, for most.
Key Details
Snow won't stick right away. Expect flakes or cold rain Sunday morning. Temps hover in the low to mid 30s. The rain-snow line sits near I-95. South of it? Mostly wet at first. North and east? Snow from the start.
But change comes fast. The coastal low intensifies Sunday afternoon. Heavy snow bands develop. Rates hit 1-2 inches per hour in spots. That's when accumulation ramps up. DC core: 3-6 inches. Northern Virginia: similar, maybe less west. Baltimore area: 6 inches or more. Closer to the coast? 9-12 inches in dark blue zones. Purple areas: 12-16. And some spots east? 16+ possible.
Wind and Blizzard Risks
Winds crank up Sunday evening. The low hugs the coast. Gusts hit 40 mph across the region. Southeast spots near the shore? 50 mph plus. Heavy snow plus those winds equals blizzard conditions. Visibility drops near zero. Power lines sway. Travel grinds to a halt.
EPAWA Weather called it Godzilla mode. They went all-in Saturday on storm prep. Forecaster there said:
"This is a pretty big storm here, especially for our eastern and southeastern areas. Blizzard potential with 40 to 50 mph gusts."
- EPAWA forecaster
Timing matters. Snow eases Sunday morning for a bit. An inverted trough brings a pause. Then coastal snow overruns everything evening hours. Heaviest near midnight. Monday? Lingering flurries as it pulls away northeast.
Temps drop to freezing or below overnight. Roads refreeze. Black ice hides everywhere. Schools? Likely closed Monday. Check local districts Sunday night.
What This Means
Drivers face the biggest headache. Sunday night rush hour? Snow already flying. Interstate 95 turns messy. Side roads worse. Airlines delay flights at Dulles, Reagan, BWI. Amtrak slows or stops.
Power outages loom. Wet snow plus wind snaps branches. Utilities prep crews. Folks stock up on shovels, salt, batteries. Heat stays on. Generators if you've got 'em.
Coastal spots brace for flooding too. High tides meet storm surge. Beaches close. Boats secure. Inland, snow piles deep. Plows work overtime. But blizzard zones? They're snowed in.
Economy feels a pinch. Government workers stay home. Businesses shutter. Deliveries late. It's one storm. But in February, it disrupts everything.
And look ahead. Work week brings more cold. Another system brews. But Sunday's the main event. Stay inside if you can.
For more on winter prep amid changing weather patterns, check our story on exercise protecting the brain. And if roads get bad, remember tips from past storms like the pneumonia bacterium health links coverage on indoor safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the snow start in DC?
Snow or cold rain begins Sunday morning. Heavy accumulation kicks in evening. Peak Sunday night.
Will schools close Monday?
Most likely yes. Districts watch totals overnight. Expect delays or full closures.
Is there blizzard risk?
Yes, near the coast. Heavy snow and 40-50 mph gusts drop visibility. Stay off roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the snow start in DC?
Snow or cold rain begins Sunday morning. Heavy accumulation kicks in evening. Peak Sunday night.
Will schools close Monday?
Most likely yes. Districts watch totals overnight. Expect delays or full closures.
Is there blizzard risk?
Yes, near the coast. Heavy snow and 40-50 mph gusts drop visibility. Stay off roads.
