The first snowfall of the season blanketed the region this morning with less than a inch of snow but caused traffic accidents, commuter delays and some early school closings.
The worst of the traffic problems occurred on Interstate 270 where the thin layer of snow was compressed into ice, causing numerous accidents and turning a typical 30 minute trip from Montgomery County to the District into a two-hour commute.
Bridges and overpasses also were a problem, as subfreezing temperatures on the road surfaces turned the snow into ice. No major accidents or injuries had been reported by noon.
At least three school systems have decided to close two hours early: Frederick and Carroll counties in Maryland, the western region of the state that was expected to get as much as four inches of snow, and Fauquier County, Va., where many students get to school on more rural, hard-to-treat roads.
The snow came from what meteorologist call an Alberta Clipper, which swept into the region from the Northwest. Such systems are not considered major winter storms and do not gather a large amount of moisture before they arrive, compared to those that arrive from farther south, then travel up the Atlantic coast. Still, a snow advisory is in effect for most of the region until 8 p.m. Temperatures are expected to be in the 50s tomorrow.
Early forecasts called for about 1 to 2 inches of accumulation in the metropolitan area, with as much as 4 inches in the western regions. However, slightly higher amounts are expected before the snow tapers tonight, after the evening rush hour, which is also expected to include additional accidents and delays.
Metro officials said they have slowed subway trains from the maximum speed of 55 mph to about 30 mph on above-ground rails. However, agency officials had by midday reported no delays or other problems.
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