Bomb Cyclone Forecast In Maryland: Timeline, Snow Projections

MARYLAND — A "bomb cyclone" of heavy rain, strong wind gusts and snow is in the weekend forecast, and the National Weather Service has increased its confidence in the likelihood of snow, sleet and freezing rain in Maryland and updated its timeline for the wintry mix.

Rain will begin in the early hours Saturday in central Maryland, then mix with snow through the afternoon. Temperatures are poised to plummet throughout the day from the 30s and 40s to the teens and 20s by 5 p.m.

In western Maryland, snow will be steadiest in the morning. In central Maryland, snow will be steadiest midday. Strong winds on Saturday are also a concern, according to forecasters.

A wind advisory takes effect from 8 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, calling for 20 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 55 mph and possibly 60 mph in the Baltimore-Washington region.

"Winter weather advisories have been expanded eastward to include much of the I-95 corridor for Saturday morning," the National Weather Service reported after 4:15 p.m. on Friday. "Wind advisories are also in effect for much of the area. This paired with heavy, wet snowfall could lead to some power outages, especially where heaviest snow falls."

These Maryland jurisdictions are under a winter weather advisory calling for 3 to 5 inches of snow and wind gusts from 45 to 55 mph from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday:

• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County

Rain will change to snow from 5 to 7 a.m. then be steadiest through midday in the areas above, officials say.

In parts of Harford County and Montgomery County, forecasters say rain, snow and sleet will shift to snow after 11 a.m. and may become heavy at times in the afternoon, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation possible.

Roads and sidewalks may be slippery, so drivers and pedestrians should be extra careful. Visibility may be less than 0.5 mile at times, and gusts may bring down branches.

Below are the snowfall projections from the National Weather Service:

Winter Storm Warning Issued For Western Maryland

More significant accumulation is in the forecast for western Maryland, where the National Weather Service placed Garrett and extreme western Allegany counties under a winter storm warning from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

About 4 to 8 inches of snow could fall there, and wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph may blow through Saturday afternoon into the night, according to the winter storm warning.

Rain will change to snow from 1 to 3 a.m. then taper off midday, followed by another round of snow showers Saturday afternoon and evening.

Snow and blowing snow could reduce visibility to less than 0.5 mile, officials warn, stating: "Near blizzard conditions are possible."

Travel may be dangerous, so anyone who must venture out should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle, officials advise.

In north-central and western Maryland, forecasters say up to 5 inches of snow is possible.

Eastern Allegany County and Washington County are under a winter weather advisory calling for 2 to 5 inches of snow and 45 to 55 mph gusts from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Rain will change to snow from 3 to 5 a.m. in these areas and be steadiest in the morning.

See more on the National Weather Service page for the Baltimore-Washington region.

Here are forecasts for Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bethesda, Bowie and Columbia.