Major winter storm set to bury DC region in snow and ice

The Washington, D.C. region faces a major winter storm this weekend that could bring the heaviest snowfall in years, with forecasters warning residents to prepare for treacherous travel conditions, possible power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures that will linger well into next week.

Snow is expected to arrive late Saturday evening around 8 or 9 p.m., with the heaviest snowfall expected mid-day Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch through Monday morning covering the District and parts of Maryland and Virginia.

Background

The incoming storm marks the first significant winter weather event for the D.C. area in 2026. A polar vortex usually positioned over the North Pole has dipped down into the United States, bringing unusually cold temperatures and creating conditions for major winter storms across a wide swath of the country. Communities from Texas to New York could see record-breaking cold temperatures, with some areas experiencing wind chills exceeding 50 degrees below zero.

D.C.'s Department of Public Works has declared an "all hands on deck" situation, mobilizing approximately 200 city trucks along with roughly 100 contractors to handle snow removal and road treatment. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of preparedness, directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate comprehensive preparation across the state. The Maryland National Guard is prepositioned in Western Maryland, Central Maryland, and on the Eastern Shore for rapid response.

Key Details

Expected snowfall amounts

Forecast models show significant variation depending on location. Along Interstate 95 in the D.C. and Baltimore area, estimates range from 8 to 12 inches of snow. Areas northwest of D.C., including Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Frederick, could see 12 to 18 inches. South and east of I-95 in southern Maryland, accumulations could reach 4 to 8 inches, while areas further south may receive 2 to 4 inches. Some forecast models suggest a potential for a foot or more of snow across the D.C. area.

By Sunday afternoon, snow could mix with sleet and freezing rain, particularly south of Route 50 and near Interstate 95. Ice accumulation is expected to reach up to three-quarters of an inch or even an inch in some areas, which could bring down power lines and create extended power outages.

Preparation and response

Warnique West, D.C.'s director of snow operations, said the city is readying all equipment and notifying staff to prepare for extended shifts.

"When you see the plows coming, stay at least 100 feet back," West said, urging the public to cooperate with city crews.

Starting Thursday night, salt trucks began pretreating roadways throughout the District to help snow melt once it begins falling. If the event becomes a snow emergency, no parking will be allowed on established emergency routes, and vehicles left on those routes will be towed.

The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority has adjusted its approach to service changes during snowstorms. Rather than using a light, moderate, and severe system to communicate changes, Metro now plans to restore bus service on a route-by-route basis as soon as roads become passable, allowing for faster service restoration.

Cold and dangerous conditions

Bitter cold will follow the snowstorm, with dangerous wind chills expected into early next week. Frostbite can occur in as little as 5 to 10 minutes if exposed to these extreme temperatures. The harsh cold means snow and ice will linger on the ground well into the middle of the week after the storm passes, potentially prolonging travel disruptions and safety hazards.

What This Means

Travel impacts could linger into Monday morning, with treacherous and hazardous driving conditions likely due to both ice and snow accumulations. In some areas, travel may become nearly impossible during the peak of the storm. Officials are urging drivers who must travel to carry winter storm kits that include booster cables, flashlights, shovels, blankets, extra clothing, water, and first aid kits.

The combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and extreme cold creates serious risks for power outages. If power lines are brought down by ice, the resulting outages could leave people without indoor heat during dangerously cold temperatures, creating a public health emergency.

Schools across the region are already announcing closures for Monday, and additional closures are likely as the storm impacts the area. Residents are being advised to complete shopping and preparation today and Saturday before conditions deteriorate.