WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Winter is just around the corner, which means it's time to get your vehicle ready for the cold weather.

AAA Mid-Atlantic is urging motorists to put the winter car emergency kits back into their trunks for another season of winter driving. 

"October's chill is a harbinger of things to come. There is still time to do preventative maintenance before frigid winter weather swoops in unawares," said Jeffrey Boone, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Car Care Field Operations Manager. "Proper maintenance now can help you prevent much more costly repairs during winter."

Winter Car Care Checklist

•         Battery and Charging System - Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. 

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- What a difference a year makes as March 2013 will be remembered for being cooler than average in the Nation's Capital. 

That's in stark contrast to March 2012, which was 10 degrees warmer than normal. This March also saw more snowfall than in any month since early 2011 and this colder than normal weather also had other repercussions.

Many will recall that March 2012 was a balmy month in the Mid-Atlantic Region, with four days of temperatures in the 80s. Such unusual warmth, more characteristic of June, helped the cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom along the Tidal Basin by mid-month. 

In contrast, the warmest temperature this March was just 63 degrees at National Airport on the 10th. Consequently, the cherry blossoms did not reach their peak bloom until just this week.

WASHINGTON (WUSA) --Due to severe weather moving through the D.C. area on Tuesday, the following after school activities have been canceled.

1. Arlington Public Schools canceled afternoon activities & late buses. Extended Day operate as normal. No change evening activities. #APS

2. All Frederick County Public Schools afterschool and evening activities are canceled due to inclement weather.

3. All after school and evening student and community activities in Prince William County are cancelled due to the potential for severe weather. School Age Child Care (SACC) will close at its regular time.