FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS: Forecast confidence is growing for a potential crippling winter storm for the southeast this weekend, which is why we have declared Friday through Sunday First Alert Weather Days. The main concerns are the threat of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, which could create impossible travel conditions and power outages.

WASHINGTON - A bitter blast of cold air settles over the D.C. region Tuesday as all eyes turn to a potential weekend winter storm that could deliver significant snowfall.

Gold (GC=F) futures opened at $4,633.70 per troy ounce Tuesday, 0.8% higher than Friday’s closing price of $4,595.40.