Go here for the latest weather from Storm Team4. It's updated with our meteorologists' forecast every morning.
A winter storm that ushered freezing rain into the Washington, D.C., area early Thursday is shifting to all-rain.
Storm Team4 declared a weather alert for the ice and freezing rain, which slowed traffic. Loudoun County Public Schools closed. Many schools opened late, and the federal government announced a two-hour delay. Track all school closings and delays here.
The problematic precipitation is shifting to plain rain as temperatures warm up in the afternoon. Periods of heavy rainfall are likely all day Thursday.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Snowplows were on standby, ice was a big concern for areas north and west of D.C., and some icicles even formed — including on the NBC4 tower camera. But icy conditions are less of a concern as temperatures head toward highs in the mid- to upper 40s, and the rain will likely melt any icicles left behind.
Winter Weather Advisory Ends in DC Area
A winter weather advisory has concluded for areas including the District; Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland and Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties plus nearby cities in Northern Virginia, the National Weather Service says.
An ice storm warning is set until Thursday evening for areas near the I-81 corridor and along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dangerous travel conditions, power outages and tree damage are likely due to ice, NWS said.
Winter Storm Timing
Freezing rain, especially west of D.C., persisted until temperatures ticked above the freezing mark. More than an inch of rain fell in the morning, and another inch or more is possible in the second half of the day.
Grab an umbrella and prepare for all-day rain, which could be moderate to heavy at times.
The weather will improve by the weekend.
Temperatures will be warm enough Friday that ice won't be a concern in the D.C. metro area.
Friday will be dry from start to finish with sunshine, then expect cool, dry weather for the weekend, Storm Team4 says. Here's more on the 10-day forecast.
Commuter & School Impacts
Crews are out across D.C., Maryland and Virginia to treat roads.
“We are in emergency operations mode,” the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Shantee Felix said. “We are applying materials and trying to get ahead of the sleet and freezing rain and we’ll be continuing to work it throughout the day.”
Felix advised drivers to delay travel if possible. She said at about 6:35 a.m. that there were no significant areas of concern.
Bridges and overpasses are the areas of greater concern, as elevated areas are more likely to ice over.
Light RailLink trains will be operating at reduced speed, Maryland officials said.
Due to possible icy road conditions, Metro advised customers to prepare for Metrobus service impacts on Thursday.
Prince William County Schools will have a virtual learning day on Thursday. D.C. Public Schools, Alexandria, Arlington County and Montgomery County public schools are among those opening late. Here's a full list.
To help a person in need of shelter in the District, call 202-399-7093 to request transportation.
