Light Snow Soaks Friday Evening Commute

A winter weather advisory is in effect this evening for the Washington area and most of Maryland, according to the National Weather Service.

In the D.C. region, up to 1 inch could accumulate on the ground before 8 p.m., before areas of low pressure move precipitation east by 9 p.m. Officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation say frigid temperatures overnight means moisture on the roads is likely to freeze. Drivers are urged to use caution.

A winter storm warning has also been issued for far western Maryland, where as much as three inches of snow is forecasted for Friday evening with an additional four inches overnight.

Many school districts have announced early closings in advance of the storm, and while federal agencies remain open, employees have the option to take unscheduled leave or telework.

"Right now, we're prepping our trucks," says Tony Duckett with the District snow team. "We're getting ready to get our trucks out on our routes. We're going to pre-salt."

Duckett says when the snow stops around 9 p.m., they will be sending out a second wave of trucks to ensure that the roads are cleared by Saturday morning.

He recommends giving plows and salt trucks a wide berth to allow them to do their job.