🏛️ ABC 7 First Alert: D.C. Braces for Snow-to-Ice Transition
Washington, D.C. Metro Area | Updated: Friday, Jan 23, 2026
The ABC 7 First Alert Weather Team has issued a high-impact alert for a major winter storm arriving late Saturday. While snow will be the initial story, the real danger for the District lies in a significant transition to sleet and freezing rain on Sunday.
The Breakdown for D.C., NoVA, and PG County
- The Onset: Expect snow to begin between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM Saturday. A "heavy thumping" of snow will occur overnight, likely dropping 5–8 inches before sunrise.
- The Ice Threat: By 10:00 AM Sunday, warmer air moving in aloft will turn snow into sleet and freezing rain. This will create a "crust" over the snow, making it extremely heavy to shovel and turning the Beltway into a skating rink.
- The State of Emergency: Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a Snow Emergency starting at noon Saturday. All vehicles must be moved from snow emergency routes by that time or face towing.
Survival & Prep Tips
- Power Watch: Because this storm includes ice, tree limbs are at risk of snapping. Charge all devices now and keep your flashlight handy.
- The "Slow Drip": D.C. water officials recommend leaving a pencil-thin stream of water running in faucets on exterior walls to prevent pipes from bursting in the 12°F overnight lows.
- 📲 Stay Connected: Follow the latest live radar and video updates on the ABC 7 WJLA Twitter/X Feed or watch the WJLA YouTube Weather Impact Updates.
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