NWS Issues Special Statement about Heavy Snow

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The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning about a particular band of heavy snowfall that has targeted the area overnight.

"A band of heavy snow over the Virginia Piedmont is expected to overspread the Washington metropolitan area by 2 a.m. this morning," the weather service said. "Heavy snow will persist for a couple of hours with visibility reduced below one-quarter mile."

Forecasters expect one to three inches to fall per hour underneath this band.

"Traveling will be very dangerous during this time since roads will become quickly snow-covered," they said.

To avoid accidents during the storm, the Virginia state police advises residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving, when possible.

“This storm has the potential to significantly, adversely impact the safety of motorists on our highways,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “We encourage Virginians to plan so they are not caught out in the storm and put themselves and others at risk.”

If residents have to travel during the storm, VDOT suggests using headlights for visibility, drive slowly, don't tailgate, use seatbelts, and be sure the vehicle is running properly.

"Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight," they said.

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