Light Snow Gridlocks Washington Region

A light snowfall during evening rush hour that was more intense than expected led to icy gridlock throughout the Washington area with backups that lasted through the night in some areas. Treated roads are clear Thursday morning, but some elevated roads, ramps and side streets are icy with drivers inching along.

Maryland Department of Transportation spokesman Charlie Gischlar says crews got stuck in lengthy backups Wednesday night, slowing their progress. He says major delays continued through the night on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, but crews are making progress Thursday morning.

Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer McCord says in northern Virginia minor accidents built to gridlock and ramp closures continued through the night. She described, “a long night for a lot of people trying to get home.”

Heavy snowfall is predicted by the weekend from the Appalachians to Philadelphia and maybe farther north.