A winter weather advisory has been issued for the Washington region, with snow and snow-covered roads expected on Friday. The forecast calls for disruptions to the morning commute, along with possible delays and cancellations. The amount of snow accumulation will vary depending on the location, with 1 to 2 inches being the most likely range. Higher amounts are possible in northern areas, while southern areas may see slightly less snow. However, it is unlikely that the region will receive more than 4 inches of snow in total.

The timing of the storm adds to its impact, as it is expected to occur during the Friday morning commute. Additionally, the cold air in place before and after the storm will contribute to the snow sticking around throughout the weekend. High temperatures on Saturday will only reach the 20s, and on Sunday, the temperatures will struggle to reach freezing.

According to the Capital Weather Gang's winter storm impact scale, this storm rates as a Category 2 out of 5 for the Beltway area and areas to the north. This means that it is a disruptive, but not a major storm, which will cause slick roads and affect schools, businesses, and flights.

The forecast for the storm is as follows:

- From 10 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday, there is a possibility of flurries or a snow shower with little or no accumulation.
- From 2 to 5 a.m. on Friday, areas of light snow will develop, with a dusting possible. Rain may mix with snow in Southern Maryland.
- Between 5 and 8 a.m. on Friday, light to moderate snow is expected, with accumulations around 1 inch. Snow-covered roads are likely.
- From 8 to 11 a.m., the snow could become lighter or intermittent, especially south of the Beltway. Accumulations of around a half-inch are possible.
- Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., there will be periods of light to moderate snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected north and east of the Beltway. Accumulations of around 0.5 to 1 inch are anticipated.
- From 2 to 5 p.m., light snow will gradually taper off from southwest to northeast, with a dusting to a half-inch possible.

Models currently indicate that the accumulation of snow will occur between 5 and 7 a.m. on Friday. This will likely result in snow-covered roads during the morning commute, except in Southern Maryland where lighter snow amounts and higher temperatures may reduce the impact.

It should be noted that the amount of total snow accumulation is still uncertain. Models have been fluctuating, with snow amounts increasing on Thursday after decreasing on Wednesday. These fluctuations are not uncommon, and further adjustments may be made to the forecast if necessary.

One factor that remains uncertain is the influence of drier air pushing in from the southwest, which may lighten or interrupt the snowfall late Friday morning. Generally, the farther north you are, the better chance for heavier snow and higher amounts, increasing forecast confidence. Conversely, the farther south you are, the better chance the snow could be lighter or intermittent, resulting in lower forecast confidence.

Specifically for the District, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince George's, Prince William, Fauquier, and Anne Arundel counties, snow is expected to develop between 2 and 4 a.m., with untreated roads likely to be snow-covered by 6 to 8 a.m. The snow may become lighter or intermittent between 8 and 11 a.m. and then pick up again between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., although this is less certain for areas farther south. Temperatures throughout the event will range from the upper 20s to near 30 degrees.

For Montgomery, Loudoun, Howard, Frederick, and Carroll counties, snow is expected to develop between 2 and 3 a.m., with roads likely to be snow-covered by 5 or 6 a.m. The snow may become lighter between 8 and 11 a.m., especially in the southern portions of the counties, but will likely pick up again between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. before gradually tapering off. Temperatures will be in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees.

In Charles, Stafford, Calvert, St. Mary's, and King George counties, snow is expected to develop between 2 and 4 a.m., with a possibility of mixing with rain at the beginning. Side roads and sidewalks may be snow-covered by 6 to 8 a.m. Meanwhile, treated main roads may only be slushy due to slightly warmer temperatures in the low to mid-30s compared to areas farther north. The snow may become lighter or intermittent between 8 and 11 a.m. and may pick up again, although this is less certain than in areas farther north.

Weather expert Wes Junker describes this storm as a "moisture-starved, clipper-type system," which limits the amount of snow it can produce. Clippers generally produce a narrow stripe of 1 to 3 inches of snow north of the low-pressure center. However, there is a possibility that a second area of low pressure may develop near the coast, which could tap into Atlantic moisture and produce heavier snowfall. Such a scenario seems unlikely. Small differences in the storm's track will determine whether the region ends up with 2 or 3 inches of snow, or just a dusting to an inch. The current forecast places the region near the southern edge of the snow shield.

As the storm approaches, residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecast and to exercise caution on the roads.