Snow creates hazardous Friday commute in DMV

Snow created a messy and hazardous commute for drivers across parts of the Washington, D.C. region Friday.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - Snow created a messy and hazardous commute for drivers across parts of the Washington, D.C. region Friday.

The winter weather moved into the area during the early hours and remained through the morning commute.

DC weather: Snow falls across DMV Friday

Snow is falling across parts of the Washington, D.C., area early Friday, prompting many school districts to delay or close and leaving drivers with a messy morning commute.

What we know:

FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick was in Fredericksburg, Virginia near exit 17 and Interstate 95 around 7a.m. where an SUV and a box truck collided on the snow-covered roadway. The combination of cold temperatures, precipitation and busy roads led to numerous similar crashes across the area.

The National Weather Service says each year there are over 1,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries due to vehicle crashes during winter weather in the U.S.

School closings, delays in DC, Maryland, Virginia for Friday, December 5

Timeline:

Futurecast radar showed snow arriving in the early morning before tapering off by midday. The afternoon will be mostly dry, with cloudy skies and freezing cold conditions.

FOX 5's Tucker Barnes reported that the first inch of snow reported in Washington, D.C. this season was recorded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 10 a.m. Barnes says totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible south of the District and in parts of central, eastern and western Virginia. Closer to Washington, D.C. and areas north and west, accumulations may be limited to a coating or an inch.

Snow makes for messy Friday commute across parts of DMV

Friday morning snow is making for a hazardous commute across parts of the DMV.

Officials advise cleaning snow off your vehicle before hitting the road to prevent flying snow from causing accidents. Drivers are urged to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles and avoid using cruise control in slippery conditions.

The NWS also urges drivers to stay well back from snowplows and remember that roads can be slick even when they appear wet.

Winter Driving Safety Tips from the National Weather Service