WASHINGTON — For the first time since 2008, the National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning for metro Washington D.C. on Saturday. The warning has now expired.
Expect occasional freezing drizzle through early Sunday morning. With temperatures below freezing, there will be icy spots and areas of black ice in the morning hours.
Washingtonians face up to 1-inch of sleet and freezing rain due to the low temps seen Saturday and precipitation in the air.
Much of Virginia and southern Maryland were also put under the warning. Icing occurred throughout Saturday and continues through the evening.
Risks of falls and injury on sidewalks and roadways are also increased. Residents are also encouraged to prepare for possible power outages.
Over 145,000 Dominion Energy customers in southern Virginia lost power, according to the company. Not many have lost power in northern Virginia as of Saturday night. PEPCO has reported some outages in DC and Maryland, but there are only a few dozen outages as of Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service has announced that travel is strongly discouraged; advising that if one must travel, they should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
Sunday morning, communities may see some precipitation in the region linger around, but it will be warmer with highs near. A shower or drizzle is possible in the afternoon.
As the ice melts Sunday, residents are reminded to be mindful of falling ice.