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Fairfax County could see 4 to 8 inches of snow as a significant winter storm moves into the region Tuesday, creating potentially dangerous conditions for the evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
The National Weather Service upgraded its earlier watch to a Winter Storm Warning covering the District of Columbia, central and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia. The warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Snow is expected to spread across the area from late Tuesday morning into the afternoon. The heaviest period is forecast for late Tuesday afternoon and evening, when accumulation rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The latest forecast raises the expected snowfall from an earlier estimate of 4 to 6 inches. The storm could rival the Jan. 6 snowfall that left area roads and sidewalks hazardous for days.
Travel may become extremely difficult, particularly during Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Anyone who must drive is advised to carry an extra flashlight, food and water in case of an emergency.
A light wintry mix could continue Wednesday without much additional accumulation before changing to rain Wednesday night. If Washington receives more than 3.8 inches, it would be the city’s largest February snowfall since 2015.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Monday morning, allowing the Virginia Emergency Support Team to coordinate preparations and deploy resources statewide. Youngkin urged residents to follow local forecasts and prepare for possible impacts to roads and infrastructure.
The northern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, between I-495 in McLean and Spout Run in Arlington, will close at midnight for the duration of the storm. The National Park Service said the closure will allow crews to treat the roadway safely.
Reopening could be delayed because crews must use smaller equipment to navigate the parkway’s narrow lanes and configuration.
Herndon officials asked residents and businesses to remove vehicles from streets so snowplows can operate without obstruction. The town also canceled Wednesday trash collection and Tuesday evening’s Town Council meeting. Liberal leave for nonessential town employees begins at noon Tuesday.