Major winter storm threatens D.C. region with heavy snow and ice this weekend

A historic winter storm is set to impact the Washington D.C. region this weekend, bringing the first major snowfall of 2026 and creating hazardous conditions that city officials warn could last through early next week. The system is expected to arrive Saturday evening and intensify through Sunday, with forecasters warning of heavy snow, dangerous ice accumulation, and potential widespread power outages across the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the I-95 corridor, including the D.C. and Baltimore areas. City officials have declared an "all hands on deck" situation, mobilizing approximately 200 city trucks and roughly 100 private contractors to prepare roadways and respond to storm impacts.

Background

This winter storm is part of a sprawling weather system that is moving east from the Southwest, beginning Friday morning. The system will first impact Texas and Oklahoma before tracking across the South and Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, eventually reaching the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts. The storm is expected to affect more than 150 million people across the southern and eastern United States.

The system represents a significant winter weather threat to major metropolitan areas across the country. Beyond the D.C. region, major cities in the storm's path include Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. The storm has already prompted more than 1,000 flight cancellations before impacts have even begun.

According to D.C.'s Department of Public Works, this storm could deliver more snow than the region has received in previous years. The agency began pretreating roadways with salt starting Thursday night to prepare for the incoming system.

Key Details

Snow Totals and Timing

Snow is expected to arrive in the D.C. metro area around 8 or 9 p.m. Saturday evening, with the heaviest snowfall expected mid-day Sunday. Current forecasts show 8 to 12 inches of snow along the I-95 corridor for D.C. and Baltimore, with some models indicating a potential for a foot or more of snow for the area.

Areas northwest of D.C., including Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Frederick, could see 12 to 18 inches of snow. Southern Maryland areas south and east of I-95 may receive 4 to 8 inches, while areas further south could see 2 to 4 inches.

The highest snow accumulations are currently forecast to fall across parts of central Virginia through Washington D.C. The farther north the storm tracks, the greater the likelihood of significant snow further north along the I-95 corridor in New England.

Ice and Mixed Precipitation

By Sunday afternoon, snow is expected to mix with ice in parts of the D.C. area, which could further complicate travel conditions. Some uncertainty remains among forecasters regarding exactly where freezing rain will develop versus sleet, which is less damaging to the power grid.

A paralyzing ice storm is expected to be the main threat within the southern component of this colossal winter system, with dangerous icing forecast from Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina. The D.C. area sits near the boundary between the snow-dominant northern section and the ice-dominant southern section of the storm.

Temperature and Wind Conditions

Temperatures will drop significantly as the storm approaches. Saturday daytime highs are expected to reach around 20 degrees, with Sunday highs remaining in the 20s. Winds will shift to the north at 5-10 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph. Bitter cold is expected to follow the storm, with dangerous wind chills extending into early next week.

"We're looking to get more snow than we've got in the previous years. Right now we're prepping all of our equipment, making sure that it's ready. We have notified our staff that we're going to be here for maybe a few days at a time," said Warnique West, D.C.'s director of snow operations for the Department of Public Works.

Power and Infrastructure Concerns

Forecast models indicate a significant risk of power outages across the region. The combination of heavy snow accumulation and ice buildup on power lines creates dangerous conditions for electrical infrastructure. Travel impacts are expected to linger into Monday morning, with roads potentially remaining hazardous even after snow has stopped falling.

What This Means

Residents across the D.C. region should prepare for several days of significant disruptions. Schools have already begun announcing closures for Monday, January 26, with more announcements likely as the weekend approaches. Travel conditions could become nearly impossible during the height of the storm Sunday, and commutes could remain difficult through Monday morning.

The combination of heavy snow, ice, and bitter cold means that power restoration efforts could take days if widespread outages occur. Residents are advised to stock up on supplies, charge electronic devices, and prepare for potential heating challenges if power is lost.

The storm represents the most significant winter weather threat to the D.C. region in years, with forecasters expressing growing confidence that this system could deliver historic snowfall to parts of the Mid-Atlantic. The precise track of the storm and its interaction with other weather systems will determine whether snow totals land closer to 8 inches or exceed 16 inches in some areas.

City and regional officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm and to prepare now for potential power interruptions and extended road closures.