Fast moving winter storm blankets Washington with snow, closing government, schools

A surprise winter storm with heavy, fast-falling snow on Monday blew into the Washington, D.C. region., closing government offices and schools.

As much as 10 inches of snow was forecast for the District of Columbia, northern Virginia and central Maryland through the afternoon, after weekend temperature in the high 50s and low 60s.

Snow is dropping from at least New Jersey to southern Virginia, with sleet and rain in other parts of the southeast. The snow and winds, with gusts as high as 35 mph, in the nation's capitol is expected to end at about noon. However, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area until 4 p.m., according to the Associated Press. 

Local TV news reports in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia metropolitan region say roads are slippery and numerous accidents have occurred.