WASHINGTON — We have issued a Weather Watch Alert through early Monday morning as leftover rain and snow showers clear out.
A heavy burst of snow early Monday morning cooled surface temperatures enough for slushy snow to accumulate across the DMV so give yourself a few extra minutes for the morning commute. Skies will clear throughout the day and blustery wind will continue gusting up to 35 mph.
By 7:30 a.m., WUSA9's Weather Team says rain and snow showers are moving out but it will stay blustery and cold.
First snowfall hits the DMV
Power Outages:
As of 7:30 a.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, about 270 customers are without power. Pepco's outage map shows 19 customers are without power in D.C. and Maryland.
There is no word at this time on when power may 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.
Damages:
Rain changed over to snow early Monday morning, leading to slick roads and several early morning crashes. So far, we have received no reports of winds knocking down trees or power poles
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.
Traffic Alerts:
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services PIO Pete Piringer reported several collisions on the Capital Beltway early Monday due to slick driving conditions.
A crash on Interstate 66 at MM55.4, just east of Fairfax County Parkway exit 55 in Fairfax County closed all eastbound travel lanes as of 5:24 a.m.
A crash on the inner loop of the Beltway between Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road between a sedan and a tractor trailer has sent three people to the hospital. Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services said about 30 firefighters responded to the scene and some lanes were blocked for the crash investigation.
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.
Closures/Cancellations
As of Monday morning, several area schools are operating on a two-hour delay due to weather.
As of 6 a.m., Montgomery County Schools, Frederick County Public Schools (MD), Frederick City Public Schools, Page County Public Schools, and others have reported being on a two-hour delay due to weather.
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy gives tips for how to stay safe.