Winter Storm Watch

Locations Affected

Washington, DC ∙ Baltimore, MD ∙ Alexandria, VA ∙ Rockville, MD ∙ Frederick, MD ∙ Gaithersburg, MD ∙ Bowie, MD ∙ Harrisonburg, VA ∙ Garrison, MD ∙ Waldorf, MD

Headline

...MAJOR WINTER STORM EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND...
.A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic. This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday, with the potential for ice Sunday especially south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95. In addition to the high threat for significant snow and ice, very cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week with sub-zero wind chills likely at times.

Full Alert Message

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 436 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...MAJOR WINTER STORM EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND... .A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic. This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday, with the potential for ice Sunday especially south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95. In addition to the high threat for significant snow and ice, very cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week with sub-zero wind chills likely at times. ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday evening, becoming heavy at times late Saturday night with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning Friday evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Now is the time to make preparations for the storm. This includes getting any necessary groceries or medicines that you may not be able to access this weekend into early next week due to any potential closure. Have an emergency kit in the car including extra batteries, a flashlight, and blanket just in case you get stranded. Make sure to refuel or charge your car before the storm hits. Check on elderly friends, family, and neighbors and don't forget about pets or livestock during this prolonged cold period.

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