Heavy snow expected in D.C. region's far western areas Wednesday, a messy mix elsewhere.

* Winter storm watch Wednesday morning through night for northern Fauquier, western Loudoun, northern Montgomery, northern Howard and Frederick counties *

The major winter storm that will ride up the Mid-Atlantic coast Wednesday may spare the immediate Washington area from substantial snow but wallop areas well to the north and west.

Most computer models now predict the storm to take more of an inland track, which will allow it to draw mild air from the ocean toward the Interstate 95 corridor and perhaps even a bit farther west. As the storm is still about 48 hours away, it’s not impossible that it will shift back to the east, which would allow for a colder and snowier scenario.

While significant snowfall may not fall along the Interstate 95 corridor and just to the west (through southern Fauquier, central Prince William, Fairfax, southern Montgomery and eastern Howard counties), a nasty mix of sleet, freezing rain and rain is likely after a brief period of snow starting between midmorning and midday Wednesday. And precipitation could briefly change to snow before ending late Wednesday night. Slick spots could develop Wednesday afternoon and night, especially when and where precipitation falls heavily.

Farther west, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for northern Fauquier, western Loudoun, northwest Montgomery, northwest Howard, and Frederick counties, where there is the potential for more significant snow, seven inches or more, and perhaps some ice.

As you reach areas west of Warrenton, Leesburg and Frederick and especially the Interstate 81 corridor, that’s where snow may really pile up as it becomes less likely to mix with sleet and freezing rain.'>>>

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/12/14/dc-winter-storm/?