The Washington D.C. region is bracing for inclement weather this Christmas Eve as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The advisory, effective from 5 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, December 24, warns of freezing rain, which is expected to result in slick and hazardous travel conditions, particularly during the morning commute.
The NWS anticipates total ice accumulation of up to a light glaze and possibly a dusting of snow amounting to one-tenth of an inch. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become dangerous for drivers, prompting authorities to advise extreme caution.
The forecast shows precipitation beginning as light freezing rain early Tuesday morning, progressing along US-15 before reaching the Interstate 95 corridor by sunrise. According to the NWS, there may be some snow, particularly north of Interstate 70, which could mix with the freezing rain late Tuesday morning. This combination of weather conditions is expected to transition to rain and freezing rain before the precipitation diminishes by early afternoon.
“Roads and especially bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS stated. “Plan on slippery road conditions.” It is expected the hazardous conditions could significantly impact the morning commute for many residents.
The Winter Weather Advisory encompasses various counties across Maryland including Carroll, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, and Harford County, as well as areas of northern Virginia. Travelers and locals are being urged to stay informed by checking forecasts and taking weather-related warnings seriously.
“We ask drivers to slow down and use caution,” the NWS warned. “The latest road conditions can be found by contacting 511.” It is also advised for individuals going outside to take special care of their steps as surfaces may be slick.
The weather advisory arrives during what is expected to be one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, with many people setting out for holiday events and gatherings. The NWS has emphasized the importance of preparation and caution as the holiday travelers face winter weather conditions.
Further complicate matters, anticipated daytime temperatures will range from the mid-20s to low 40s throughout the week, meaning the mixture of freezing rain along with relatively warmer air could contribute to erratic weather patterns.
Transportation agencies have been alerted and are prepared for any emergency conditions. The Maryland Highway Administration has stocked up on resources, having 386,000 tons of rock salt and 1.6 million gallons of salt brine ready to deploy as needed. Officials have warned motorists not to crowd plow vehicles as they work to keep roads clear during the winter storm.
The advisory coincides with concerns over dangerously cold temperatures prompting the Baltimore City Health Department to issue a “Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert” leading up to this week of holiday festivities.
Although snowfall likely won’t be substantial, even minor winter precipitation can create hazardous conditions for drivers. The NWS is urging everyone to review safety tips for driving during winter conditions, including increasing following distances and being aware of potential icy patches.
For those thinking about bringing their travel plans to fruition this Christmas, the weather outlook for the rest of the week indicates partly cloudy to mostly clear conditions following the winter weather system, with highs expected to climb from today’s mid-35s to near 54°F by the weekend.
While the hopes of many for a white Christmas are dashed due to the light snow prediction, icy conditions may still greet commuters heading out to their holiday destinations. Keeping abreast of weather updates and adhering to NWS guidelines will be the best way to navigate any winter woes this season.
