Wednesday Update (5AM Tuesday)

As expected, the NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings for all counties in central and northern MD for heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain beginning early Wednesday.  Expect snow to begin across the metro areas between 6 and 8 AM Wednesday and quickly become moderate to heavy across the region.  The models still show that there will likely be some localized areas that see very heavy snow but that area depends on what model you like.  In any case, all areas will probably see at least moderate snow.  In the early afternoon, the snow will begin to transition to sleet and freezing rain from southeast to northwest, but temperatures will likely be at or below freezing through Wednesday evening.  Temperatures should climb to above freezing by Thursday morning which will improve conditions dramatically by midday Thursday.

Accumulation forecasts are difficult because of the transition. I think 3″ or more of snow across the area by 11 AM is a reasonable call, but many areas will see considerably more on top of that. In then end, I think a general 3-6″ is likely, with the possibility of some localized areas getting a little more.  But regardless of what type of frozen precip is falling, tomorrow will not be a good day to be on the roads. The good news is that with a Winter Storm Warning in place, schools will have an easy call and may even start making announcements for closings tonight.