Winter storm hits DC: Snow, ice causing hazardous travel conditions
WASHINGTON - Snow began falling in the D.C. metro area around 2 p.m. Tuesday, starting as light, fine flakes before intensifying as heavier snow bands pushed northward.
As conditions deteriorate, FOX 5's Caitlin Roth says travel could become hazardous through the night.
Further south, Fredericksburg experienced heavy snowfall, leading to significant accumulation (4.5 inches). Similar conditions are expected to spread northward into the metro region.
READ MORE: Snow totals in DC, Maryland, Virginia: How much has fallen so far?
Radar imagery is showing widespread snowfall across the region, with the heaviest accumulations reported in Spotsylvania and Stafford counties as well as parts of southern Maryland.
Areas under winter storm warnings, including Charlottesville and Beaverdam, Virginia (highlighted in pink on weather maps), are bracing for significant snowfall totals around 5-8 inches.
DC snow: rush hour forecast
FOX 5's Caitlin Roth delivers a forecast for rush hour commuters heading home in the snow,
Baltimore, Hagerstown, and Frederick, Maryland remain under winter weather advisories.
Those areas are expecting lower accumulations but still experiencing snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
In D.C., temperatures have dropped to below 33 degrees at Reagan National Airport, with visibility reduced to just one mile.
Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads if possible as conditions worsen through the evening.
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued from 1 p.m. this afternoon to 7 a.m. Wednesday for Washington, D.C., central and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.
Further north in portions of Maryland, extreme Western Allegany and Garrett Counties, and in western Mineral County In West Virginia, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday morning to 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Heavy evening snow across D.C. region
The heaviest snowfall rates are expected between 5 p.m. and midnight, contributing to the bulk of accumulation.
Snow is forecast to taper off overnight, giving way to clear skies by Wednesday morning.
The D.C. metro area is projected to receive 4 to 6 inches of snow, with localized areas to the north potentially seeing up to 8 inches, while totals to the south may be lower.
Travel conditions
As conditions continue to evolve, officials advise residents to stay informed, exercise caution on the roads, and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm passes.
BWI Airport:
Due to low ceilings, there was a Traffic Management Program in effect for traffic arriving at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The FAA reported operations returned to normal around 8 p.m.
General Departure Delays: Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less.
General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.
Brandywine, MD:
Snow, ice wreaking havoc on Maryland roads
FOX 5's Josh Rosenthal reports from Brandywine, Maryland where snow, and ice are wreaking havoc on the roads.
Montgomery County, MD:
Riding along with snow crews clearing Montgomery County roads
FOX 5's Homa Bash rode along with snow crews as they worked to clear the roads in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Woodbridge, VA:
Winter storm causing dangerous conditions on Virginia roads
FOX 5's Julie Donaldson is tracking the winter storm in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Charles County, MD:
Tracking winter storm conditions in Charles County
FOX 5 meteorologist Gwen Tolbart is tracking the winter storm conditions in Charles County. She spoke with shoppers who braved the snow to grab some last-minute groceries.
Fredericksburg, VA:
Virginia snow: Road conditions worsen
FOX 5's David Kaplan reports from Fredericksburg, Virginia where the snow has been coming down heavy all afternoon. Roadways are also beginning to accumulate a lot of snow.
Arlington, VA:
Northern Virginia snow: Trucks ready to plow roadways
FOX 5's Tisha Lewis reports from Arlington where the snow is picking up and impacting travel.
Falls Church, VA:
Snow covers Route 50 in Virginia
FOX 5's Lili Zheng reports from Falls Church, Virginia where Route 50 is blanketed with snow.
D.C.:
Winter weather DC: Snow Emergency issued
A Snow Emergency has just gone into effect in D.C. The snow emergency will remain in effect through at least the end of Thursday. Fox 5’s Tom Fitzgerald has the latest details.
Stay with the FOX 5 Weather Team for the latest forecast updates and check the updated list of closings and delays. The FOX LOCAL app is your source for live FOX 5 DC weather updates. Click here to download.