NEW: Winter Weather Advisory issued for Fairfax County ahead of storm

The season’s first winter storm is making its way toward the D.C. region, though the chances for serious snow in Fairfax County are iffy.

Instead, the county is expected to get a slushy mix of rain, snow and sleet, starting tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The precipitation could add up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulations, along with “a light glaze” of ice, according to a Winter Weather Advisory issued today by the National Weather Service.

The advisory, which also includes central and southeast Prince William County, is scheduled to take effect at 7 a.m. tomorrow and stay in place until 2 p.m. After that, the wintry mix is anticipated to turn into rain.

“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the NWS said. “When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”

Fairfax County notes that some of its facilities may close and programs might get canceled, depending on the severity of the weather.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews began treating roadways with salt brine this morning, a process that will be complete by this afternoon’s rush hour, according to a snow update.

[1:40 PM] – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, effective from 7 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

What: Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to one inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze. pic.twitter.com/o2Z55pmwA5

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) January 5, 2024

A #WinterWeatherAdvisory has been issued for parts of NOVA.

Please plan on delaying travel when the #snow & #wintrymix begins Sat AM. If traveling, monitor the forecast along the length of your trip.

Check traffic & road conditions: https://t.co/2vj3HqqPy9 pic.twitter.com/BvmXjcmbnD

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 5, 2024

The full Winter Weather Advisory is below:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 2 PM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to an inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE…Fairfax County, and Central and Southeast Prince William County.

* WHEN…From 7 AM to 2 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions and slippery untreated paved surfaces, mainly from light ice glaze due to freezing rain.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation is expected to begin as snow and sleet between 7 and 9 AM. Precipitation will change to freezing rain around 11 AM, then rain after 2 PM. Precipitation is expected to end during the early evening.

Map via National Weather Service

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