Timeline
Thursday Morning (Dec. 22)
- Precipitation will begin from southwest to northeast during or just prior to rush hour.
- Areas along and west of the Blue Ridge (Western Loudoun and points west, extending southwest through Roanoke) will likely experience a start as a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
- Northern Virginia will see a chance for a wintry mix before a quick change to rain.
- Low temperatures will be around freezing during the early commute and will rise into the upper 30s into the mid-morning hours.
- Reduce your speeds and be especially careful on bridges, ramps and overpasses during this time.
Thursday Afternoon (Dec. 22)
- Areas of rain are likely throughout Northern Virginia, with over an inch of rain possible.
- Areas farther west will see a changeover from wintry mix to rain into the mid-afternoon.
- Temperatures will gradually rise into the 40s for Northern Virginia but will likely hang in the mid 30s west of the Blue Ridge.
- Drivers should watch out for slick roads west and possible ponding.
Thursday Evening and Night (Dec. 22)
- Areas of rain will linger after sunset but will taper off closer to midnight.
- Temperatures will range from the mid 30s west to closer to 50 degrees around DC.
- Winds will become breezy out of the east-southeast gusting to 25 mph at times.
Friday Morning (Dec. 23)
- Areas of rain will develop early Friday morning (6-9 a.m.) ahead of the arctic cold front.
- Temperatures will range from the 30s west of the Blue Ridge to near 50 degrees closer to I-95.
- Temperatures will plummet into 20s around noon, so any residual moisture on the roadways will have the potential to turn icy.
- Confidence is low for iciness but it’s high enough on a big travel day that we want you to be extra cautious and avoid travel or change travel plans if possible.
- Winds will also become an issue, gusting from 40-50 mph at times as the cold front moves through into the afternoon.
- Drivers should watch for possible downed trees and debris in the road, and be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses.
Friday Afternoon (Dec. 23)
- Precipitation will exit into the afternoon and the wind and cold will be the main concern.
- Temperatures will likely be in the teens along the Blue Ridge and west and low 20s closer to I-95 into the afternoon.
- Factor in the winds which will continue to gust from 30-40+ mph and it will likely feel like the single digits closer to DC and possibly below zero for the I-81 corridor.
- If you’re on the interstate and need assistance, please dial #77 and ask for a Safety Service Patroller.
Friday Evening and Night (Dec. 24)
- Cold and breezy conditions will remain into Friday night with lows in the teens closer to DC and possibly single digits along and west of the Blue Ridge.
- Wind chills will likely be in the single digits with winds still gusting to 20-25 mph at times.
The Weekend (Dec. 24 – 25)
- The holiday weekend will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny and cold both days with lows in the teens and highs in the upper 20s each day.
- Winds will be breezy at times Saturday but breezes should diminish into Sunday.
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