Officials are urging residents in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region to prepare now for snow and Arctic air expected to arrive this weekend.
What’s Happening: Weather models show a significant winter storm could hit the region late Saturday into Sunday. Snow is likely across the area, followed by very cold temperatures. The Arctic blast may bring bitter cold and frigid wind chills that make it feel much colder than the actual air temperature.
What’s Important: Forecasters and emergency officials want residents to stock up on essentials and prepare vehicles before travel becomes difficult. Snow and icy conditions can lead to delays, early dismissals or closures for schools and some workplaces.
What to Stock: The CDC recommends having enough supplies to last at least several days in case travel becomes difficult. This includes food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, drinking water, prescription medications and basic first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries and phone chargers, blankets, warm clothing and extra layers, and baby supplies or pet food if needed. Officials also recommend having rock salt or ice melt and a working snow shovel.
Travel Preparation: Before snow arrives, officials recommend filling up gas tanks, checking windshield wipers, tires and antifreeze, and keeping an emergency kit in cars with blankets, snacks, water and a flashlight. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during and immediately after snowfall.
Safety During Extreme Cold: Extreme cold can increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires, particularly when people rely on alternative heating sources, according to FEMA. Officials recommend installing and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of homes, keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters and fireplaces, never using an oven, grill or generator to heat homes, and using generators only outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows.
The Timeline: The winter storm could impact the area late Saturday into Sunday.
What’s Unclear: The exact amount of snow and how long impacts will last depend on the storm’s track and strength. Some models show more snow farther northwest, while others keep totals closer to the Interstate 95 corridor. Forecasts may change leading up to the event, and officials say conditions can vary widely across the region.
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