It’s cold and rainy in the D.C. area, but those far west of the region are seeing some icy road conditions and snowy accumulations. Here’s what you need to know. A storm system pushing through the Tennessee Valley swept through the mid-Atlantic just as lingering chilly temperatures remain in place from the recent cold snap. The result: snowfall along and west of the Blue Ridge.
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Steady rain moved into the D.C. area during the afternoon rush, and lingers into the early evening. However for the western suburbs, it’s a different story. In Garrett County, Maryland, more than 2 inches of snow have been reported, while Allegany County had 2 inches of snow by Tuesday afternoon. The snow amounts will be totally based on elevation. While valley locations such as Winchester, and Hagerstown in Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia, will see a burst of snow at the onset, it has changed to rain Tuesday night. Still, trace amounts of snow will accumulate on most surfaces except for roadways along Interstate 81 before the changeover to all rain.
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Winter weather advisory for higher elevations
It was a winter wonderland for motorists headed over the mountains between Frederick and Hagerstown on Interstate 70, Interstate 66 across the Virginia Blue Ridge and Skyline Drive. A winter weather advisory is in effect until midnight for portions of western Maryland, northwest Virginia and eastern West Virginia. The wintry mix will end as rain, but the rain will freeze on elevated areas above 1,000 feet. The National Weather Service predicts total snow and sleet accumulations “around a coating to 1 inch below 1,000 feet; and 1 to 3 inches above 1,000 feet.” Ice could accumulate up to a 10th of an inch, mainly about 1,000 feet.
Forecast
- Tuesday night: A cold rain, heavy at times, ending after midnight. Areas of fog. Lows 35 to 40.
- Wednesday: Becoming mostly sunny, breezy and a bit warmer. Highs in the low to mid 50s.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, breezy and colder. Highs mid to upper 40s.
- Friday: Partly cloudy. Highs upper 40s.
