How much snow is expected on Sunday? Model potentials, forecast predictions point to major storm
DC weather: How much snow is expected?
The Washington, D.C., region is bracing for a significant snowstorm this weekend that could bring major accumulations to the nation’s capital and surrounding areas.
WASHINGTON - The Washington, D.C., region is bracing for a significant snowstorm this weekend, with the National Weather Service warning of an "Extreme" level threat.
Winter storm threat
The National Weather Service has assessed the Winter Storm Threat for this weekend as "Extreme," the highest level threat.
FOX 5’s Tucker Barnes has not released an official snowfall forecast total yet, but says heavy snow is increasingly likely, with precipitation beginning Saturday evening and the peak of the storm unfolding through Sunday.
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Snowstorm, Arctic blast threaten DC region this weekend
Weekend winter storm | American Model
Barnes says a layer of warm air aloft, even as surface temperatures stay frigid, could lead to pockets of sleet or ice mixing in, which may affect final totals.
Model snowfall potentials, which show a wide range of raw computer simulated outcomes, suggest more than 15 inches could fall in Washington, D.C., and over 20 inches in higher elevation areas north and west of the District, including Cumberland, Maryland.
READ MORE: DC, Maryland, Virginia winter weather checklist: How to prepare for snow and ice this weekend
How much snow is expected on Sunday? Model potentials, forecast predictions point to major storm
Weekend winter storm | European Model
Barnes cautions that models can fluctuate dramatically from run to run and should be used as guidance while waiting for more stable, realistic forecast predictions. He notes there is often a large gap between model output and actual accumulation.
On Wednesday, Winter Storm Watches stretched across a large part of the country, with more than 175 million people potentially in the storm’s path.
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How much snow is expected on Sunday? Model potentials, forecast predictions point to major storm
Barnes also warns that frigid Arctic air trailing the storm could freeze any snow or ice that falls, raising the risk of power outages and potentially disrupting travel for days.
Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 5’s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. We’re streaming nonstop coverage with the newest forecasts, snow potential, and preparation tips—before the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.
READ MORE: DC snowstorm, Arctic blast threaten region this weekend
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.