Winter Weather Advisory in DC as storm targets Baltimore and Washington region
A late-winter storm is set to roll into the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday, February 22, 2026, bringing a messy changeover from rain to snow that could snarl travel and set up a slick Monday morning commute. The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Weather Advisory for Washington, D.C., while parts of the Baltimore area are under a Winter Storm Warning as heavier snow and gusty winds focus north and northeast of the District.
Timeline for DC weather and Baltimore weather
The main message for planning is that conditions deteriorate Sunday evening and remain hazardous overnight into Monday morning.
| Area | Headline | Effective window (ET) | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Winter Weather Advisory | Sun 5:00 p.m. – Mon 10:00 a.m. | Periods of wintry precipitation with slick roads, especially overnight |
| Baltimore area (including southern Baltimore) | Winter Storm Warning | Sun 3:00 p.m. – Mon 10:00 a.m. | Heavy snow and difficult travel, with stronger wind gusts |
Even if roads look merely wet earlier Sunday, temperatures are expected to drop late in the day, increasing the risk that slush and snow start sticking quickly after sunset.
How much snow is expected, and where
Snow totals can vary sharply over short distances in coastal systems, especially where rain mixes in before a changeover. The latest hazard messaging points to:
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Washington, D.C. and nearby suburbs: lighter accumulations overall, with the highest risk for slushy, slick travel late Sunday night into early Monday.
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Baltimore and areas north and east: a better setup for heavier, steadier snow, with official warning language calling for roughly 4 to 8 inches in the warned zone and the possibility of locally higher totals in parts of northeast Maryland.
Wind is a second factor in the Baltimore region, with gusts around 35 mph noted in the warning, which can reduce visibility in heavier bursts and increase the chance of isolated power issues where snow clings to branches.
What to expect on the roads
This storm is shaping up as a “starts wet, turns messy” event, which can catch drivers off guard because the first part doesn’t look severe. The highest-impact window for travel is expected to be:
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Sunday evening through overnight: the changeover period, when road conditions can go from wet to slushy to snow-packed quickly.
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Monday early morning: lingering snow or flurries and untreated surfaces can keep bridges, ramps, and neighborhood streets slick even after the steadiest precipitation eases.
If you must drive, plan extra stopping distance, avoid sudden lane changes, and assume side streets will be worse than main routes.
Local preparations in Washington and Baltimore
Local governments are moving into storm operations mode ahead of the changeover.
In Washington, D.C., city officials have announced a full deployment of the District snow team for Sunday, with major roadways expected to be treated with salt beginning around 12:00 p.m. ET.
In Baltimore, city emergency management and public works crews are preparing for plowing and treatment operations as heavier snow develops. Officials have emphasized checking forecasts and using official traffic resources for road conditions, particularly with the warning covering the Sunday afternoon-to-Monday morning period.
Practical checklist for tonight and Monday morning
Small steps ahead of time make a big difference when precipitation flips to snow after dark:
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Park off narrow streets if possible to help plows.
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Charge devices and set aside a flashlight in case of brief outages.
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Clear storm drains near your home if safe to do so, since early rain can pool before temperatures fall.
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If commuting Monday, build in extra time and consider delaying departure until roads improve later in the morning.
What happens after the storm
Behind the system, colder air is expected to settle in, which can keep icy patches around even after snowfall tapers. Flurries are possible Monday morning, with gradual improvement during the afternoon as treatment catches up and daytime temperatures stabilize. The biggest lingering issue may be refreezing overnight Monday where slush melts and temperatures dip again.
For anyone tracking boxing tonight-style plans or late events, the key is that the worst travel conditions are expected after dark Sunday and into the first half of Monday morning, when visibility and traction can both be compromised.
