Major snowstorm in the works for the weekend

A winter storm watch is in effect for the entire WTOP listening area from Friday morning until Saturday night.

Meteorologists aren't saying how much snow is expected Friday into Saturday. There's a good reason why: The storm hasn't formed yet.

Meteorologists are using computer models to make early predictions.

"I think the best way to describe it now is that everybody is going to have major snow," Channel 7 Chief Meteorologist Doug Hill says.

"Most of the areas are probably going to see an excess of a foot. There are going to be some spots where it will be closer to 2 feet of snow when everything is said and done."

Gov. Bob McDonnell has declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm. McDonnell said road crews and the Virginia National Guard are prepared to respond, and urged residents to do the same.

Some areas south and east of the District will see a mix of sleet and rain, which will cut down on the accumulation, Hill says.

Channel 7 Meteorologist Chris Naille says the signs point to a "fairly big snow-maker" on Friday.

"We're talking about significant accumulations," Naille says.

Both Hill and Naille say they'll have a better idea about accumulation on Thursday.

While most of the major roads are clear, the weather is still affecting some schools.

Culpeper County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay Thursday. Check other closings and delays by clicking here.

Transportation officials across the region say they'll be ready when winter weather strikes this weekend.

Despite having exhausted their snow budgets for the season, local transportation authorities say they'll keep plows running and salt spreading regardless of the cost.

Snow Totals

The region saw 3 to 6 inches of snow fall Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning:

Here's a sampling of what the regional snow accumulations:

• Morningside -- 4 inches
• Manassas Park -- 5.2 inches
• Gaithersburg -- 5.2 inches.
• Reston -- 5 inches.
• South Wilde Acres (Frederick Co., Va.) -- 6 inches.
• Bailey's Crossroads -- 4.3 inches.
• Point of Rocks -- 4.8 inches.
• Damascus -- 6.4 inches.

Click here for the complete forecast.

WTOP has traffic and weather together every 10 minutes on the 8s. You also can check road conditions and traffic cameras at WTOP.com's Custom Commute.

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