WASHINGTON — For the second time in a week, snow is falling in the DMV. Tuesday's snowfall was the first measurable snowfall in two years. Now, even more is here.
Flakes started flying early Friday morning, snarling traffic on the morning commute.
Dulles International Airport reported 4.9 inches of snow on the ground, which surpassed the previous daily record of 4.8" in 1978.
Areas across the DMV have put a Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings in place across the region until 7 p.m. Snow will gradually taper off after 8 p.m.
Here's a look at the latest snow map, showing how much snow we could see across the D.C. region.
Closures/Cancellations
Due to ongoing weather conditions, Anne Arundel County Public Schools has canceled all athletic, extracurricular activities, and professional developments scheduled before 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20.
Arlington Public Schools, Fairfax County Schools, Frederick County Schools, and Loudoun County Schools have announced all activities scheduled for this weekend are cancelled.
Nova Community College will open 2 hours late and operate on a Code Yellow Saturday, January 20.
Elsewhere, the following Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC will be open: National Museum of Air and Space and Udvar-Hazy Center, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History and National Museum of African American History and Culture. All other D.C. museums including the National Zoo will be closed today.
Traffic Alerts:
Friday morning, roads around the DMV were snow-covered and slick. Snow plow crews in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have begun clearing roads in the area. Remember to give plows plenty of room to do their jobs. You can track snow plow activity in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Remember, if you have to be on the roads, take it slow, and allow plenty of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.
Latest updates:
5:30 p.m.: The plane that made an emergency landing on Loudoun County Parkway is being towed back to Dulles International Airport.
5:00 p.m.: Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services tweeted that 100% of the primary roads are have been cleared as of 4:45 p.m. and 93% of secondary roads are cleared as well.
4:45 p.m.: Fairfax County, Virginia reschedules early voting to begin Saturday, January 20 from 9a.m. to 5 p.m.
4:30 p.m.: At 1:30 p.m. Dulles Airport tweeted they received reports of an aircraft that departed from the airport had to make an emergency landing on the Loudoun County Parkway due to weather conditions.
10:30 a.m.: Ride On buses in Montgomery County will transition to an S schedule beginning at noon.
9:30 a.m.: As of 9:30 a.m. all DASH buses are running on their regular weekday service schedules and service has been restored. There are no snow detours in effect at this time. Riders may experience slight delays due to road conditions.
9:05 a.m.: DC Police are responding to a disabled Metro bus in the area of 8th Street and Maryland Avenue Northeast. 8th Street is currently closed between Maryland Avenue and G Street Northeast.
8:43 a.m.: A damaged power pole in the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Powder Mill Road has wires down across the road. Montgomery County firefighters report New Hampshire Avenue is shut down because of wires across the road.
8:25 a.m.: Reagan Airport officials shared a video of the airports snow team clearing runways for travel. Some delays have been reported due to snowy weather.
7:45 a.m.: On Friday, Jan. 19, Metrobus is operating on a Moderate Snow Plan. Under the Moderate plan, service will be suspended on some routes and buses detour around roads prone to hazardous conditions, including many neighborhood streets.
Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create dangerous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times. If snow is blocking the curb, customers are advised to wait on the sidewalk instead of the street until the bus arrives.
7:28 a.m.: According to FlightAware, Reagan National (KDCA) is currently experiencing:
- departure delays an average of 41 minutes (and decreasing)
- all inbound flights being held at their origin until Friday at 08:15AM EST
- arrival delays for airborne aircraft an average of 44 minutes (and decreasing)
7:08 a.m.: Snow falling swiftly across the region. Early snow totals are already coming in.
6:45 a.m.: George Washington Pkwy both ways between I-495/Capital Beltway and Spout Run Pkwy, all lanes blocked by the hazardous weather, icy conditions.
6:19 a.m.: Snow and slick conditions in D.C.
6:15 a.m.: Conditions on Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Laurel are treacherous for drivers, according to WUSA9 traffic specialist Lindsey Nance.
6:07 a.m.: Crash with Injury. I-66 WB at VA-267 (Exit 67). Fairfax County, VA. Left lane on exit ramp is blocked. 1 right ramp lane open.
5:30 a.m.: A Ride On Bus got stuck on Clopper Road in Montgomery County.
5:05 a.m.: Snowy conditions reported on I-495 in Virginia.
1:30 a.m.: Montgomery County Fire crews responded to an overturned vehicle on MD-200.
If you cannot stay home, AAA suggests drivers always check weather conditions before heading out. Drivers should always travel with a full tank of gas, a fully charged cell phone and wear a seatbelt.
If traffic signals are not working because a power outage, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching cars, bikes or pedestrians have stopped. Treat a blacked-out traffic signal as a four-way stop intersection.
While driving on black ice, people should proceed slowly and smoothly. AAA says to avoid any sudden acceleration, braking and steering. If you have antilock brakes, use steady pressure - don't pump.
If you get stuck in snow or ice, AAA suggests straightening the wheel and accelerating slowly. Try adding sand, traction mats or cat litter under the drive wheels to avoid spinning tires.
AAA recommends that all drivers make sure they have an emergency kit ready for any winter weather. Items to have in your car include:
- Snow shovel
- Scraper or de-icer
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
- Water
- Snacks
- Extra medications.
And: Always travel with a full tank of gas.
Damages:
Beyond traffic issues, no major damages have been reported across the region.
It is important to know how to prepare and stay safe during severe weather. There are several ways you can make sure you are ready.
- High winds and heavy snow can regularly down trees and heavy branches in the DMV region, so avoid standing or walking under tree canopies.
- Be supplied: Have medical equipment, medical supplies or any critical medications on hand and enough for 5-7 days.
- Figure out how and where everyone will meet up with each other if you get separated.
- Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.
- Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could cause damage.
Power Outages:
Power crews have reported no widespread power outages as a result of snowy weather. If we hear of any outages in our area, we will share them here.
A power outage can be caused by a myriad of things but it is important to be as prepared as you possibly can, especially during severe weather. Extended power outages can impact everyone from a home to an entire community. It can cause issues with communication, prevent the use of medical devices, impact access to water and cause food to spoil while grocery stores may be closed.
Dominion Energy says residents should not connect any portable generators to a home's electrical system. Under no circumstances should you ever bring a generator into your home in order to create heat. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build up, resulting in injuries or even death.