Several inches of snow are expected to blanket the District and surrounding areas beginning this afternoon, causing area colleges and universities to announce early closures.

As of now, GW will remain open for the rest of the day, however University officials are currently in discussions about whether or not to send University employees home early before the storm hits.

American University, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Virginia, Towson, Gallaudet, Marymount University and Howard University are closing at 3 p.m. Catholic University closed at 2 p.m.

In total, 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected to fall beginning late this afternoon until around 4 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.