Sunday Snow Totals Increase For MD, Winter Storm Warning Issued

Updated at 1:50 p.m. Sunday

MARYLAND — New details on timing and expected snowfall totals have been released as a winter storm moves across Maryland on Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several counties including Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, Allegany, Harford and Montgomery. The warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday.

Heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations between 3 and 6 inches.

"Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact travel," the NWS said.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the District of Columbia, plus Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties until 7 p.m. Sunday.

Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches are predicted, with the higher amounts expected in the northwest suburbs.

"Snow will overspread the area … and continue through the afternoon before tapering off during the evening," the National Weather Service said. "Snowfall rates could approach 1 inch an hour at times."

Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches, forecasters said.

"Persons should delay all travel if possible," the National Weather Service said. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility."

Once snow moves out of the region, a polar vortex — a stormy ring that typically keeps the coldest air locked up near the North Pole — will settle over Maryland and bring bitter and dangerously cold temperatures to the Baltimore region.

Temperatures on Sunday will reach the 30s before falling into the mid-20s on Monday. Lows will plunge into the single digits before warming just slightly on Tuesday. According to the NWS, Tuesday will see a high of 23 degrees and a low of 11.

Here's a look at the detailed Baltimore-area National Weather Service forecast through Wednesday:

Sunday: Snow, mainly after 2pm. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 39. North wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Snow, mainly before 8pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 20. Northwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Monday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tuesday: A chance of snow showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 17.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.