Christmas Eve Winter Storm Threatens D.C. Area Travel
Table of Contents
A potentially icy Christmas eve morning is on the horizon for the D.C. metro area, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory and raising concerns about holiday travel. The National Weather Service issued the advisory, effective from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th, warning of a wintry mix that could create hazardous driving conditions.
The advisory anticipates a mix of light freezing rain and snow,wiht the potential for slick roads and sidewalks across the region. “In those first couple of hours of the day, a little bit of snowflake action, maybe a little bit of freezing rain, which is that liquid that freezes on contact, or even a few sleet pellets are possible as that system drives across our area,” explained 7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.
Meteorologists predict the freezing rain will begin west of Route 15 between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., spreading to the I-95 corridor between 6 a.m.and 9 a.m. Northern suburbs can expect the precipitation to start between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.Snow is most likely north of Interstate 70, according to the National Weather Service. “very limited moisture, but at the surface below freezing, so anything that looks wet could be slick until those temperatures rise,” added van de Graaff.
Accumulation is expected to be minimal, with up to a few hundredths of an inch of ice and a tenth-of-an-inch dusting of snow possible. The freezing rain is forecast to transition to rain late Tuesday morning, ending by early afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-40s by Tuesday afternoon.
Holiday Travel Concerns
With Christmas Eve traditionally being a busy travel day, 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads. “With it being Christmas Eve,traditionally a busy travel day,” she cautioned,”make sure to use extra caution on area roads.”
Preparedness Efforts
D.C. proactively deployed snow teams Monday night to pretreat roads with brine. The city’s office of Emergency Management announced that teams woudl be on standby Tuesday morning to address ice-related issues, advising residents to use salt, sand, or cat litter on sidewalks to prevent slips and falls. Maryland also deployed crews to pretreat roads, focusing on northern and western areas anticipating heavier snowfall.
“Ice is nobody’s friend. You know, ice is very dangerous. So that’s why we’re trying to get word out right now. And we’re going to have crews out way early before the precipitation even starts. And again, where we pretreated that’s going to really help us,” stated Charlie Gischlar, deputy director of communications for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration. he recommended checking the agency’s website for live road conditions and traffic camera access before venturing out. He ultimately advised delaying travel until around 10 a.m. if possible.
Mid-Atlantic Faces Winter Weather Advisory: Slick Roads Expected
Residents of the Mid-Atlantic region should prepare for a wintry mix of precipitation today, as a weather advisory warns of potential travel disruptions. Light freezing rain and snow are expected to impact the area, creating slick conditions on roads and sidewalks.
The National Weather Service advises caution, urging drivers to slow down and allow extra time for travel. Pedestrians should also exercise increased vigilance on potentially icy surfaces. “Roads and sidewalks will become slick,” warns the weather service.
While the precipitation is expected to transition to mainly rain by early afternoon, the initial period of freezing rain and snow poses a significant risk. Gradual clearing is anticipated as the system moves out.
Detailed Forecast
Today: Expect areas of light freezing rain and snow, transitioning to rain by early afternoon. Highs will reach the low to mid-40s.
Tonight: Fair skies are predicted with lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Christmas day (Wednesday): Partly sunny skies are expected with highs between 40 and 45 degrees. A perfect day for a festive stroll, provided the roads are clear.
Thursday: Partly to mostly sunny conditions are forecast, with highs in the mid-40s.
Friday: Sunny skies are anticipated, with highs near 50 degrees.
Stay informed
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
D.C. Area Braces for Potential Icy Christmas Eve Commute
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area is facing a winter weather advisory for Christmas Eve, with a wintry mix threatening to create hazardous road conditions for holiday travelers. With freezing rain adn snow expected to make roads and sidewalks slick early Tuesday morning, officials urge caution and preparedness.
Senior Editor, World-Today-News, discusses the upcoming weather event and its potential impact on travel with Dr. Amelia frost, a meteorologist specializing in winter weather forecasting and transportation safety.
Q: Dr. Frost, can you summarize the winter weather advisory issued for the D.C. Area?
Dr. Amelia Frost: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the D.C. metro area, effective from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th.The main concern is a mix of freezing rain and snow,with the potential for ice accumulation and slick roads.
Q: What specific areas are expected to be most affected by this wintry mix?
dr. Frost: The freezing rain will likely start west of Route 15 between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.,moving towards the I-95 corridor between 6 a.m.and 9 a.m.Northern suburbs can expect precipitation to begin a bit later, between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. snowfall is anticipated to be heavier north of Interstate 70.
Q: How much ice or snow accumulation should people expect?
Dr. Frost: While the total accumulation will be minimal, it’s crucial to remember that even a small amount of ice can make roads extremely slippery. We could see a few hundredths of an inch of ice and a light dusting of snow, up to a tenth of an inch. The good news is that the freezing rain should transition to rain by late Tuesday morning, ending by early afternoon.
Q: Given that Christmas Eve is a traditionally busy travel day, what advice would you give to drivers and commuters?
Dr. Frost: I strongly urge everyone to exercise extreme caution, especially during the early morning hours when conditions will be the most hazardous. Allow extra time for travel, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance. Remember, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first, so approach these areas with even more caution.
Q: What steps are being taken to prepare for this weather event?
Dr. Frost: Thankfully, both D.C. and Maryland have been proactive in pre-treating major roads with brine to help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. Additionally, snow teams will be on standby to address icy conditions as they develop.
Q: What can individuals do to stay safe during this winter weather event?
Dr. Frost:
Along with the driving precautions I mentioned earlier, if you must venture out, dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots. Be mindful of icy sidewalks and walkways, and consider using salt, sand, or cat litter to create traction. Remember to check on elderly neighbors or those with limited mobility who may need assistance.
