Maryland Winter Storm Warning: 5 To 12 Inches Snow Possible

(Updated at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday): MARYLAND — Well, it looks like we're going to get some decent snow after all as a last gasp before spring takes hold here in Maryland. It will be a cold, wet, icy, messy Tuesday before the precipitation switches to snow in the wee hours of Wednesday and continues into that afternoon.

Forecasters are calling for rain until Tuesday afternoon. Conditions are then expected to shift to a snowy mix Tuesday evening. Winds will pick up through the evening, with the heaviest snow expected early Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning that will go into effect from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The warning was issued for Southern Baltimore, Prince George's County, central Anne Arundel County, southeast Montgomery County and southeast Howard County.

Forecasters said heavy, wet snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of six to 12 inches are expected in portions of central and northern Maryland, as well as northern and northwest Virginia. Areas south of D.C. are likely to get more of a dusting.

Highs will be in the 30s, so it should be cold enough for the snow to stick, at least for a little while.

Parts of Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties are under a winter weather advisory and winter storm watch in advance of the storm. The winter weather advisory is effective from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20; up to an inch of snow/sleet is expected.

In Harford County, Howard County, Baltimore County and Caroll County, all public schools will close two hours early on Tuesday.

See Related:

• Wind Warnings Issued For Hatem And Tydings Bridges
  
• HCPS Makes Weather Call For Tuesday, March 20

Drivers should be aware that wintry weather could affect roads Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Hatem and Tydings bridges are under wind warnings Tuesday. The Maryland Transportation Authority announced the warnings as of 8:15 a.m. Drivers crossing between Harford and Cecil counties over the Susquehanna River are advised to be extra careful with snow, freezing rain and sleet in the forecast in addition to strong wind gusts. Wind warnings are triggered by 30 to 39 mph winds.

AAA offers the following tips for driving on snowy or icy roads:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly; it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
• Increase following distance.
• Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
• Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get momentum going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.

Important Maryland Utility Numbers Include:

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877
• SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: 1-800-828-4002

Here's the latest from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Periods of rain and sleet before noon, then periods of rain, snow, freezing rain, and sleet between noon and 3pm, then periods of snow and sleet after 3pm. High near 35. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Periods of snow and sleet. Low around 30. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow, mainly before 9pm. Low around 29. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Photo via US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington