2:30 p.m. Update - Winter Weather Advisory Canceled

Update 2:30 p.m. Thursday: The winter weather advisory for the D.C. metro area has been canceled.

Temperatures are now expected to remain in the mid- to upper 30s with rain. Some snow may mix in with the rain later this evening, but accumulations are unlikely. 

Are you relieved or disappointed? Tell us in the comments... 

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Update 11:30 a.m. Thursday: It's still not snowing yet. But, radar indicates light precipitation in the area with a temperature of 44. 

The temperature will be dropping throughout the afternoon, reaching into the low 30s by 5 p.m., when rain will change to snow. Most snow, if any, will be out of the area by midnight. 

Stay tuned... 

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Update 6:40 a.m. Thursday: The forecast has shifted a bit. Alexandria is now under a winter weather advisory from 10 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Friday. 

Accumulations are now estimated at just 1 - 3 inches.

According to the National Weather Service: "Occasional rain this morning will mix with and then change to snow early this afternoon. Periods of snow are possible in the late afternoon and evening. Snow may be locally heavy at times, especially south of Washington, D.C. Snow will come an end tonight.

Alexandria City Public Schools are not closed or delayed today—get up, kids!

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Update 4:29 p.m. Wednesday: The National Weather Service has adjusted its snow accumulations forecast down to four inches from the five inches meteorologists predicted earlier.

Forecasts are still unclear, largely because accumulations will depend on falling air temperatures, ground temperature and how much moisture comes with this weather system.

See:

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Original Post: 12:57 p.m. Wednesday

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Northern Virginia.

The watch is in effect starting Thursday morning and will continue until late Thursday night.

Heavy snow is expected Thursday, with accumulations “in excess of five inches possible,” according to the weather service.   

Snow may be mixed with rain early Thursday, particularly south of Washington, D.C., but the mix will change to all snow late Thursday morning. Snow may be heavy Thursday afternoon. Temperatures will be in the lower 30s Thursday, with light winds from the northwest.  

According to NWS, a winter storm watch means there is a potential for snow accumulations that will affect travel conditions.

See Driving Tips for Winter Weather before you leave your house Thursday morning.

In Alexandria, school closure announcements are made via phone, the ACPS website and other outlets.

Are you happy it might snow? Do you think we’ll really get 5 inches or more? Tell us in the comments!