Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area are set to receive an unusually high amount of snow this weekend, as a massive winter storm makes its way across the United States.
Several inches of snow and frigid temperatures are expected to hit the Beltway region, potentially lasting from Saturday through Monday. As the snowstorm materializes closer to the weekend, the weather forecast is subject to change.
Overall, about 180 million Americans may be affected as the storm stretches from the South to the Northeast in the next few days.
Here are all the details to know about the impending snowstorm and how it will affect the D.C. area.
Origin and path of the storm
The widespread winter storm, nicknamed “Fern” by meteorologists, is set to form from two disturbances in the north and south. The mix of cold and warm fronts could cause snow, sleet, or freezing rain.
The timing of the convergence between the two disturbances remains up in the air, but if the storm comes together, the first signs of snowfall could be seen on Friday.
The storm will initially travel through the South, hitting parts of Kansas and Oklahoma before heading into Tennessee and nearby states. By Saturday, the storm could move farther into Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, while spreading eastward into Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The Weather Channel lists Washington, D.C., as one of the cities in the middle of the storm’s path. It’s expected to see the worst of the storm Saturday night and Sunday before it subsides.
Number of inches and temperature levels
The preliminary number of inches of snow generally ranges from six inches to one foot, the National Weather Service office in the D.C. area said in a forecast prediction early Wednesday. Model simulations vary in the amount of predicted snowfall; one estimates an amount upward of 15 inches is possible.
Regardless of how much snow lands, the frigid temperatures will keep the ground covered for a while.
As of Wednesday morning, the Weather Channel is tracking the temperature around 20 degrees this weekend. The temperature then slightly picks up on Monday before hitting 30 degrees next Wednesday. The numbers will more than likely change in the coming days.
D.C. residents will see the last bit of warm weather on Thursday, with the Weather Channel currently recording a 54-degree high during the day.
Alerts and advisories
So far, winter storm alerts and advisories have been issued for parts of the Midwest as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Texas.
More severe winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of Colorado, Michigan, and New York.
The D.C. metropolitan area, along with eastern Virginia and western Maryland, has a special weather statement and a hazardous weather outlook posted at this time.
The National Weather Service projects there may be snow accumulations of one to three inches in western Maryland later Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning and advises locals to exercise caution while driving. The agency’s office serving the D.C. area adds there may be wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour late Wednesday above 3,500 feet in western Maryland.
Tips to prepare
In the event the winter storm remains a threat, it’s wise to prepare in advance.
Residents may feel compelled to use snow-clearing supplies, like salt, on their private properties and shop for groceries before the weekend comes. People may also change their appointments and flights if they anticipate the inclement weather to disrupt their plans.
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While the wintry mix will be fun for those enjoying the weekend, it may make travel a burden early next week. So brace for messy roads and school closures heading into Monday morning.
Families are encouraged to monitor announcements from their local school districts and updates from their employers about the extent of the snow’s impact on their day-to-day lives.
