Areas south and east of the District get heaviest snowfall for first snow storm of season

WASHINGTON - Snow is continuing to fall through the evening as it moves through Virginia, Maryland and DC from the south.

The National Weather Service issued its first Winter Weather Advisory of the year, which has been in effect since midnight and will remain in place through Saturday evening for central areas and until 1 a.m. Sunday for areas northeast of the District.

What You Need To Know

Periods of snow will continue on and off into the evening hours. Expect the snow to taper off after 8 p.m.

Unlike typical coastal storm systems that bring considerable snow to our region, the area of low pressure is located farther east (offshore) than usual. This means the risk for the heaviest snowfall and highest accumulations is actually east of I-95, as opposed to the north and west we are more used to.

With temperatures hovering at freezing and below, most of the accumulated will be seen more on grassy areas, rooftops, and cold surfaces. Be on lookout for ice and slick spots, which can occur as snow hits the ground, especially on the roadways.

Without the accumulation that we were expecting Friday night, the forecast currently calls for 1-3 inches of snow for DC, central Maryland and Virginia.

Heavier totals are being seen in areas off to the east and south. As of Saturday afternoon, Southern Maryland already has up to three and four inches in spots. Totals out that way will be 3-5 inches or more.

Even after the snow stops this evening, be extremely careful on roads, with temperatures at or below freezing creating slick or icy spots.

Temperatures this week will be on the lower side, so keep a lookout for ice as snow melts and refreezes over the weekend.

For latest school and program closings and delays, check our closings page.

To see photos of snow in the area, check out our photo gallery.