Washington Post: Forecasts converging on severe, potentially historic Friday-Saturday snowstorm

[mahatmakanejeeves]

I'd better get to Total Wine and pick up a 30-pack of Genesee Cream Ale.

Capital Weather Gang

Forecasts converging on severe, potentially historic Friday-Saturday snowstorm

By Jason Samenow and Wes Junker January 19 at 11:10 AM
@capitalweather

A high-impact snowstorm for the region is nearing inevitability and there is some chance it will be historic, paralyzing travel and disrupting normal routines.

Every major computer model is now forecasting double-digit snowfall totals for the D.C. area Friday and Saturday.



GFS forecast model simulation at 7 p.m. Friday night. (WeatherBell.com)

The agreement among forecast models for a severe winter storm in this case is remarkable and a hallmark of some of our most memorable snow events. However, this storm is still three days from starting, which means there is time for shifts.

{The key characteristics of Washington, D.C’s biggest snowstorms}

The National Weather Service has raised its winter-storm-threat scale to its highest level. It warns there is potential for significant travel delays, closures, and threats to life and property, and is urging residents to start planning ahead.



The storm-threat assessment from the National Weather Service for Friday and Friday night. It is the same for Saturday, though not shown.

[elleng]

1. Leaving the river Thursday

for a close-in suburb, and thinking about all of our winter events!

Chicken soup, ice cream and Kahlua on the menu!

[underpants]

2. Richmond, as expected, is freaking out.

A friend posted a pic on FB last night - there's already been a run on the stores for the beloved bread and milk.

[unc70]

4. Richmond should freak: ice and freezing rain

Far too early to really know, but that map ice and freezing rain from about Richmond south to my part of NC. I prefer the snow rather than losing power.

[gwheezie]

3. I work in richmond

I already called out sick for Friday

[underpants]

5. LOL

My coworker said "If you see anything on the ground I won't be in". She HATES the cold.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. Blizzard watch: Severe snowstorm likely Friday through Sunday

Capital Weather Gang

Blizzard watch: Severe snowstorm likely Friday through Sunday

By Jason Samenow and Wes Junker January 20 at 11:00 AM
@capitalweather

The latest forecast data are insistent that a severe winter storm will unleash crippling snow and strong winds over much of the D.C. area Friday through Saturday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for the entire metro region due to the potential blinding combination of snow and powerful winds. “Potential life-threatening conditions [are] expected Friday night into Saturday night,” the National Weather Service says. “Travel is expected to be severely limited if not impossible during the height of the storm Friday night and Saturday.”

{How to prepare for this weekend’s high-impact winter storm}

While there is still time for shifts in the exact storm track, which could alter snow totals some, the consensus of forecast models indicate more than a foot of snow will fall in many areas.

What to do if you see someone in need of shelter during freezing weather

By Perry Stein January 19 at 12:10 PM
@perrystein

....
Here’s what to do if you are in need of shelter, or see someone in need of a warm place to stay.

D.C.

Call the emergency DC Shelter Hotline at [phone] or 311 if you or someone else needs shelter. Officials from the United Planning Organization will provide transportation to the appropriate shelter.

Two warming centers will also be open:
•Sherwood Recreation Center: 640 10th St. NE (women only)
•Emery Recreation Center: 5801 Georgia Ave. NW (co-ed)

For a full list of shelter sites click here.

Maryland

In Prince George’s County, the shelter hotline number is 1-888-731-0999. A list of warming centers open in the county can be found here.

In Montgomery County, the county crisis hotline number is 240-777-4000.

Virginia

Arlington County’s emergency winter shelter is open overnight and can be reached at 703-228-7395. It’s located at 2020-A 14th St. N.

Fairfax has a number of emergency shelters throughout the county. If you or someone is in need, call the county’s non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. A full list of shelters can be found here.

Alexandria’s winter hypothermia emergency shelter can be reached at 703-548-7500, ext. 231. For additional shelter services, call 703-746-5700.