DMV Winter Storm Watch: A major winter storm may impact the DMV region this weekend into early next week, and now is the time to prepare—calmly, smartly, and early.
If you live in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, or you have family in the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area, this is one of those situations where “waiting to see” can leave you scrambling at the worst possible moment.
This storm could bring a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, and weather conditions may affect travel, power, and access to essentials from Saturday evening through Monday morning.
This post breaks down what’s expected, why it matters, and the exact steps you should take today and tomorrow so you’re not caught off guard.
Quick Summary:
DMV Winter Storm Watch: What to Expect This Weekend
What’s Expected in the DMV
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Baltimore/Washington, conditions are developing that could bring a major winter weather event to the region.
What could we be expecting:
Heavy snow possible. A mix of sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulation possible. Snow totals. High likelihood of at least 5 inches. 10+ inches possible in some areas
Where
Impacts may be felt across:
Washington, D.C., Portions of central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia
When
Saturday evening through Monday morning
This DMV Winter Storm Watch is your sign to prepare early so you’re not stuck driving during the worst conditions.
Biggest impacts
Travel may become very difficult. Road conditions could affect the Monday morning commute. Visibility could drop significantly during heavier snow. Wind chills could fall into the teens or single digits. Prolonged cold may last into the middle of next week
Why This Storm Matters (Even If You’ve “Seen Snow Before”)
Here’s the part people underestimate:
It’s not always the snow that causes the biggest problems.
It’s the mix of snow + sleet + ice that turns roads into slick glass, causes accidents, increases emergency calls, and sometimes leads to power outages if ice builds up on trees and power lines.
Even if your city “usually handles snow,” ice conditions can overwhelm any system fast.
So the goal is simple:
Prepare early. Stay home if you can. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
What to Do Today (Before Everyone Else Panics)
This is your best window to prepare without stress and without empty shelves.
1) Refill important medications
If you or someone in your home relies on daily medication, this is not the weekend to run low.
If possible:
Pick up prescriptions today. Refill any urgent items like inhalers, insulin supplies, or heart medication. Don’t forget pet medications
Even if the storm ends up weaker than predicted, you’ll still be glad you did this.
2) Get groceries for 3–5 days (not 3 carts worth)
- You don’t need to clear the store out.
- But you do want enough food to last through:
- heavy snow, icy roads.
- potential store closures.
Smart grocery staples:
- Bread / tortillas
- Peanut butter
- Soup and canned foods
- Oatmeal or cereal
- Rice or pasta
- Eggs (if you use them)
- Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives
- Frozen meals (space permitting)
- Coffee/tea
- Bottled water (or fill jugs)
Don’t forget:
- Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula)
- Pet food + litter
- A few easy “no-cook” meals in case of outages
3) Charge everything + plan for power interruptions:
- Even a short outage in freezing temperatures can be miserable.
Charge: - Phones
- Power banks
- Laptop/tablet
- Rechargeable lanterns
- Cordless tool batteries (if you own them)
If you have one, keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available.
- Emergency Kit Checklist (Home + Car)
- Home emergency kit essentials
- Have these ready before Saturday:
- Non-perishable food and water (minimum 3 days)
Medications + medical supplies
- Flashlights + extra batteries
- Battery-powered/hand-crank radio
- Warm blankets
- First aid kit
- Hygiene supplies (wipes, tissue, sanitizer)
- Important documents in a waterproof bag/container
Cash (small bills if possible)
Bonus items that people forget:
- Manual can opener
- Extra phone chargers
- Hot hands/hand warmers
- Garbage bags (multi-purpose)
- Paper plates/plastic utensils (if water becomes an issue)
- Car emergency kit (this one matters in the DMV)
If you have to drive at all this weekend, keep these in your trunk:
Warm blanket - Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Bottled water
- Snacks (granola bars, crackers)
- Phone charger
- Small shovel (even a foldable one)
- Ice scraper
- Gloves + hat
- Reflective vest (if you have one)
IMPORTANT: Keep your gas tank at least half full.
If you end up stuck in traffic or stranded, gas becomes heat.
If you’re in the storm zone, take this DMV Winter Storm Watch seriously and check forecasts daily for updates.
Before the Snow Arrives: 5 Real-World Prep Steps People Forget
These are the steps that save you the most stress later:
1) Refuel your car early
Don’t wait until Sunday when everyone realizes at the same time.
2) Set your heat and block drafts
Cold air leaks make your home feel way colder than it needs to.
Quick fixes:
Roll up towels at the doors
Close blinds/curtains at night
Seal windows if you feel drafts
3) Check your heating system now
If something isn’t working, you want to know before temperatures drop.
If you’re using space heaters:
Plug them directly into the wall
Keep them away from curtains/blankets
Never leave them on unattended
4) Get salt/ice melt early
If stores still have it, grab a bag.
Also check:
- shovel
- snow brush
- gloves
5) Prepare pets and livestock
This storm includes prolonged cold.
Make sure pets have:
- indoor warmth
- enough food/water
- safe potty plan if snow piles up
- For outdoor animals/livestock:
wind protection - extra bedding
- unfrozen water sources (as best as possible)
During the Storm: What to Do (And What NOT to Do)
- Stay indoors if possible
- The best way to stay safe is to avoid icy roads completely.
- Avoid travel unless necessary
- Even “just running to the store” becomes risky once roads ice over.
- Dress in layers if you go outside
- Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite in severe wind chills:
- hat
- scarf
- gloves
- warm socks
Stay connected (but don’t rely on one device)
Keep your phone charged and check on family members if they live alone—especially elderly neighbors.
If You MUST Travel (Please Read This)
- Sometimes people have no choice—work, emergencies, caregiving, etc.
If you have to drive:
Prepare your vehicle
Before you leave:
Clear snow/ice from the entire car (including roof) - Make sure you have emergency supplies
- Keep your gas tank full
- Drive slower than you think you need to
Increase following distance - Brake gently
- Avoid sudden turns
Bridges and overpasses freeze first
Even when roads look “fine,” those areas can be slick.
- If you get stranded, stay with your car
If you get stuck:
Stay in your vehicle - Use hazard lights
- Put a bright cloth on the antenna/door handle to signal help
- Run the heat intermittently if safe and you have fuel
- After the Storm: What to Do Once It Clears
Even after the snow stops, danger can remain due to ice and freezing temperatures.
Check on elderly neighbors/family
Make sure they have:
heat - food
- medications
- a safe path to the door
- Clear snow carefully (don’t overdo it)
Shoveling is a real strain on the body, especially in heavy snow.
Take breaks and hydrate.
Inspect your property safely
Look for:
broken branches - ice-heavy trees
- leaks
- damaged gutters
- downed power lines
If you see a downed line: stay far away and report it.
What a “Heavy Snow Warning” Means (Simple Explanation)
A heavy snow warning is issued when forecasters believe snowfall will be significant enough to cause major disruption.
It typically means conditions may include:
- high snowfall rates
- rapid accumulation
- dangerous travel
- possible closures
- potential power impacts
It’s not meant to scare you—it’s meant to give you time to prepare.
- Final Reminder: Don’t Panic — Prepare With Purpose
- Winter storms can change quickly, and forecasts may shift.
- But the best approach is always the same:
- Prepare early
- Stay stocked on essentials
- Keep your car safe
- Look out for others
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Even simple steps today can prevent major stress later.
Quick Action Checklist (Save This)
- Refill medications
- Grocery run for 3–5 days
- Charge devices + power banks
- Get salt/ice melt
- Fill gas tank
- Prepare home + car emergency kit
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Make pet plan