News Every Day | 05 January 2025, 14:50

Winter storm to start dropping snow, sleet across DC area Sunday night

Freezing temperatures and windy conditions persist as the D.C. region gears up for a winter storm set to roll into the area Sunday night and continue through the beginning of the work week. Here’s what you need to know.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the D.C. area in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Between 5 and 9 inches of accumulation are expected, with up to a foot in certain areas.

While Sunday will start off with clear skies, “clouds will move quickly move in by the afternoon,” according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña. Light snow is expected to begin falling around 8 p.m., with the precipitation kicking up in intensity overnight.

Snowfall is predicted to continue for most of Monday, especially along and south of the Interstate 66 corridor. Some of that snow may mix with sleet and freezing rain into Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

A map of expected snowfall totals across the D.C. area. (Courtesy of WJLA/ABC7).

Temperatures “will barely get above freezing” Monday, according to Peña. And the area is not expected to get any warmer through the remainder of the week.

“Whatever falls, it’s likely to stick,” Peña said.

Some area school districts and government have already started to announce closures, delays and other schedule modifications for Monday ahead of the storm. Keep an eye on WTOP’s Closings & Delays page for the latest.

Travel conditions to be ‘hazardous’

Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in Virginia, to take effect on Sunday. Virginia Department of Transportation crews have started the process of pretreating roads, but officials still advise against travel.

“I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said.

According to the weather service, traveling by car “could be very difficult.”

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the National Weather Service said.

If you absolutely have to drive, officials suggest bringing a winter storm kit packed with tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, blankets “and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”

In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness to take effect Sunday and last through Monday.

“A State of Preparedness enhances the state’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards and threats before they escalate and provides an easy path for information sharing and coordination,” according to a news release from Moore’s office.

Travelers should brace for potential delays and cancellations on airlines Monday, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans.

The frigid week (and month) ahead

The “very cold weekend” is just an appetizer for even colder temperatures expected for the week ahead, according to 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson. Even this week’s highest predicted temperatures are hovering around the freezing mark.

The teeth-chattering temperatures won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, according to Johnson. She warned they would be sticking around through mid-January.

In D.C., the Cold Weather Emergency is still in effect for Sunday with the District opening up additional hypothermia overflow shelters for those who don’t have a warm place to stay.

The District says for animal emergencies, including pets found left outside in the cold weather, to contact the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

WTOP’s Ciara Wells contributed to this report.