Snow Likely Friday: Prepare for Potential Delays in Morning Commute – NBC4 Washington

Messy Morning Commute Expected with Snow Friday in the D.C. Metro Area

Residents in the D.C. metro area should prepare for a messy morning commute Friday as the region faces its first widespread snowfall of the season. According to NBC4 Washington’s Storm Team4, snow will begin between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., tapering off around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with accumulations ranging from a light dusting up to 2 inches in some spots.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory starting between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. depending on location, continuing until approximately 4 p.m. However, forecasters anticipate the advisory could be lifted earlier as the snowfall ends well before lunchtime for many areas. Drivers should plan extra travel time and consider public transportation or remote work options to avoid delays.

Local Preparations and Alerts

Several local agencies have begun pretreating roads to limit the impact of the snow and ice. In the District of Columbia, the Snow Team started applying brine on roads at 7 p.m. Thursday and will salt major roadways starting at midnight. D.C. has also activated an Extreme Cold Alert from 8 p.m. Thursday through 9 a.m. Friday, urging residents to call 202-399-7093 or 311 for assistance if they or someone nearby needs shelter.

Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) is similarly pretreating roads and reminding drivers to give crews space for safe operation. Maryland’s State Highway Administration is deploying plows and road treatment crews, with visible preparations underway on interstates and public roads.

School Closures and Travel Advice

Some Virginia school districts have already announced closures or delayed openings for Friday morning due to the expected snow conditions. Motorists in lower Montgomery County and areas to the south should especially allow extra time for commutes. Farther west and north, such as in Frederick and Washington counties, snow is less likely and disruptions should be minimal.

Temperatures on Friday will remain cold, staying around 30 degrees, roughly 20 degrees below normal for the area. Fortunately, weather conditions are expected to improve by Friday afternoon, making evening activities and holiday events less impacted by the morning’s snow.

Travelers are advised to monitor local alerts and traffic updates, check school closing announcements, and stay prepared for quickly changing road conditions during Friday’s commute.