WASHINGTON — Snow has begun moving out of the D.C. region Tuesday, but the morning's winter weather included a healthy dose of the white stuff in some areas of the DMV in the morning hours.
Most of the heaviest snow was visible in Loudoun County, Virginia, but snowflakes began falling in D.C. around 8:15 a.m. WUSA9 Weather Watcher Matt Jones shared this photo from his deck in Eastern Allegany County, Maryland.
Early snow totals in parts of Maryland show seven inches of snow in Grantsville and Fort Ritchie Maryland.
Highs Tuesday remain in the 40s. Plan on a slow morning commute with some slushy accumulation all the way to D.C. One to three inches of wet snow is possible north and west of D.C.
Closures/Cancellations
Several school districts in our region are on a two-hour delay due to the weather. Montgomery County Schools and Fairfax County Schools are among the schools on a delay. Loudoun County Schools and Washington County Schools have closed for the day Tuesday.
Traffic Alerts:
7:55 a.m.: Beach Drive has reopened between Connecticut Avenue and Cedar Lane in Montgomery County after a report of a downed tree.
7:45 a.m.: Some crashes have been reported due to weather conditions. In Frederick County, Virginia, all lanes are blocked before the turn-off for US-15 southbound due to a multi-vehicle crash with injury.
6:24 a.m.: U.S Capitol Police reports the three eastbound lanes in the 300 block of Independence Avenue, SW, between 3rd and 4th Streets are closed due to a down tree. Please use alternate routes and expect delays.
6:30 a.m.: The Maryland State Police at Frederick Barrack “B” report that due to current weather and road conditions, the Snow Emergency Plan for Frederick County will be implemented at
The following highways have been designated as Snow Emergency Routes in Frederick County:
U.S. Route 15
U.S. Route 15 (Business)
U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40 (Alternate)
U.S. Route 340
MD Route 17
MD Route 26
MD Route 27
MD Route 28
MD Route 31
MD Route 75
MD Route 76
MD Route 79
MD Route 80
MD Route 85
MD Route 140
MD Route 144FA
MD Route 180
MD Route 194
Interstate 70
Interstate 270
Once the Snow Emergency Plan has been placed in effect, Maryland Law requires motorists to operate vehicles that are equipped with snow tires as designated by the manufacturer or equipped with chains.
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:
So far, no significant damages have been reported as a result of this storm. Wind is expected to pick up with gusts of up to 25 mph once rain and snow moves out.
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 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:
As of 8 a.m., Dominion Energy was reporting about 195 customers without power in our region. Pepco was reporting about 225 customers without power. There is no word yet when power will be restored.
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.