Winter Storm Watch issued for Alexandria; heavy snow possible Sunday night into Monday
NWS site-specific forecast calls for 2 to 4 inches; broader regional watch puts potential accumulation at 5 or more
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Alexandria and the Washington region, with snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible in the city Sunday night, and 5 or more inches possible across the broader watch area, which includes the District, portions of Maryland, and northern Virginia.
The watch runs from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Winds could gust as high as 29 to 35 mph, and the NWS warned the Monday morning commute could be significantly impacted.
The weekend forecast for Alexandria breaks down as follows: today brings partly sunny skies and a high near 51. Rain is likely tonight after 1 a.m., mixing with snow after 5 a.m., with little accumulation expected overnight. Sunday will be all rain and snow, with a high near 39 and a 100% chance of precipitation — but again, less than half an inch of accumulation is expected during the day.
Sunday night is when conditions turn serious. Snow is forecast to continue at 100% certainty, with a low around 31 and gusts up to 29 mph. That is when 2 to 4 inches of accumulation becomes possible in Alexandria. A 50% chance of snow and rain lingers into Monday, with gusts up to 31 mph and a high near 40.
A Winter Storm Watch means conditions are favorable for heavy snow, but not yet certain. It could be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as the storm approaches.
The City of Alexandria has crews on standby and is asking residents to park in driveways where possible to give plows room to work. For updates, visit alexandriava.gov/Alert.
This story updates previous coverage from Friday, February 20. Source: National Weather Service, Baltimore MD/Washington DC.