The D.C. region kicked off Friday with its first measurable December snowfall since 2017 — a rare early-season event that left much of the area coated in 1 to 3 inches of fresh snow. While the winter scene delighted many, forecasters warn that the real travel problems may arrive after dark. A round of freezing fog, drizzle, and mist is expected to develop Friday night, creating hazardous icy conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, the main concern tonight isn’t additional snow but the potential for a thin glaze of ice to form on roads, sidewalks, and elevated surfaces. “Newly issued winter weather advisories are not for additional snowfall tonight, but for the threat of freezing fog and mist overnight,” explained 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña. He said that even a light coating of ice could significantly reduce visibility and make roads slick.
Peña added that the mix of leftover moisture from Friday morning’s snowfall and temperatures staying well below freezing could create “really treacherous” driving conditions. Any wet spots from earlier in the day are likely to refreeze quickly once the sun sets.
The winter weather advisory for the D.C. area begins at 7 p.m. Friday and remains in effect until 1 a.m. Saturday. Residents are urged to limit travel if possible and use extreme caution if they must be on the roads. As temperatures hold steady in the 20s overnight, the snow already on the ground won’t be melting anytime soon — and may even grow icier heading into Saturday morning.
There is at least some good news: the fog and freezing drizzle are expected to lift by mid-morning Saturday, bringing somewhat clearer conditions for the weekend. Still, officials are encouraging drivers to take it slow. “Be safe, drive slow and careful,” advised Warnique West, a snow coordinator with the D.C. Department of Public Works.
How Much Snow Fell?
The first snow of the season arrived just before dawn Friday, helped along by a sharp push of cold air overnight. While meteorological winter hasn’t officially begun, the storm delivered a wintry preview across the D.C. metro area. Snow totals varied widely, with some communities receiving close to 3 inches while others saw only a light covering.
Here are some of the preliminary snowfall totals reported by the National Weather Service:
- La Plata, Maryland: 3 inches (as of 2:30 p.m.)
- Stafford, Virginia: 3 inches (as of 11:55 a.m.)
- Fair Oaks, Virginia: 2 inches (as of 12:49 p.m.)
- Culpeper County, Virginia: 2 inches (as of 3 p.m.)
- Catholic University (D.C.): 1.8 inches (as of 2:14 p.m.)
- Rosslyn, Virginia: 1.7 inches (as of 11 a.m.)
- Gaithersburg, Maryland: 1.5 inches (as of 11:28 a.m.)
- Aspen Hill, Maryland: 1.5 inches (as of 12:45 p.m.)
- Upper Marlboro, Maryland: 1.4 inches (as of 2:30 p.m.)
- American University (D.C.): 1.1 inches (as of 11 a.m.)
- Reagan National Airport: 1.1 inches (as of 10 a.m.)
- Dulles International Airport: 1.1 inches (as of 10:12 a.m.)
- Laurel, Maryland: 1 inch (as of noon)
While the totals weren’t extreme, they were enough to cause slippery roads, slow the Friday morning commute, and prompt several area school districts to delay or cancel classes entirely.
The last time the D.C. region saw measurable snow in December was back in 2017, when 2 inches fell at Reagan National Airport. This year’s early-season snowfall may be a sign of an active winter ahead — though forecasters caution that weather patterns can shift quickly.
For now, all eyes are on Friday night’s freeze-up. With temperatures locked in the 20s and more moisture expected to settle over the region, residents should prepare for slick sidewalks, icy bridges, and reduced visibility. If you must travel, officials recommend allowing extra time, reducing speed, and watching out for black ice.
Saturday morning should bring improvements as the fog clears, but the region may still contend with lingering icy patches until temperatures begin to rise later in the day. After a snowy start, winter in the D.C. area is making its presence known well before the official solstice.
