Snow predicted for D.C. area Friday

The first significant snowfall for the D.C. area complicated the morning commute Thursday, but weather officials said another system moving in to the mid-Atlantic on Friday could wreak havoc during the end of the work week.

National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Goldstein said an inch of snow is forecast for the D.C. area, after an inch of snow fell early Thursday.

“The system is moving very quickly, so we’re not expecting a lot of snow,” he said.

The snow could still create problems. The March for Life is scheduled for Friday on the National Mall, where organizers were hoping to draw 500,000 demonstrators.

“It doesn’t take much to put a snarl in these plans with a lot of people coming in and out of the District,” Mr. Goldtein said.

Mr. Goldstein said the weather moving in to the area is wetter and warmer than what passed through the area early Thursday. The D.C. area woke up to snow-covered cars and slushy streets — prompting some schools and businesses to delay their openings — but by late morning, most roads were cleared.

Southern Maryland recorded the highest snow accumulation, with areas in St. Mary’s County being covered by up to five inches of snow.

Metro reported a cracked rail on the Red Line near Bethesda, likely caused by the frigid temperatures.

Mr. Goldstein said Friday’s weather is forecast to be more widespread, and temperatures would stay well below freezing.

“It’s gonna be nasty,” he said.

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