by Matt Brooks

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Loudoun Braces for Season's First Snowfall

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By LoudounExtra.com staff

Originally published at 6:44 a.m., December 4, 2007
Updated at 1:21 p.m., December 4, 2007

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Gusty winds are moving out and snow is moving in –- up to 3 inches of it.

Loudoun is on track to pick up its first measurable snowfall of the season later tonight and into Wednesday. A fast-moving storm is en route to the region, bringing with it the coldest temperatures of the season.

Despite occasional snow flurries in Loudoun, Dulles International Airport has yet to officially record snow this season. But the National Weather Service office in Sterling said that will likely change Wednesday, when a 60 percent chance of snow is in the forecast.

After a high today of 39, the low tonight should drop to 26 as light snow moves in. Forecasters said 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night.

The Virginia Department of Transportation today said it has 1,500 workers on standby for snow removal in Northern Virginia. In addition to the workers, it also has 78,000 tons of salt, 45,000 tons of sand and 139,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride, which is used to prevent the bonding of snow or ice to pavement.

VDOT – which is responsible for 16,000 miles of roads in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties -- said interstates and major roadways are the top priorities during snowstorms. Subdivision streets are plowed only when 2 or more inches of snow falls.

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The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office today reminded residents to clear off their vehicle's windows thoroughly before driving. Not doing so could result in a ticket, sheriff's office spokesman Kraig Troxell said.

After Wednesday's snow, forecasters said chilly conditions will follow.

The high should hover near 40 on Thursday and Friday before holding steady near 50 on Saturday and Sunday.

The average high on today's date at Dulles is 50 degrees, according to weather service records.

The temperature at 1 p.m. today at Dulles was 39 with gusts up to 30 mph.

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