Winter Storm Watch In Harford County: 'Significant Snow' Possible

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Maryland, including Harford County. The watch calls for a wintry mix Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, with up to 6 inches of snow possible.

Before snow hits, cold settled in across the region.

Friday night's temperatures were frigid statewide, with a wind chill of 1 degree in Bel Air, according to the National Weather Service.

The high on Saturday in Harford County is 24 degrees, well below freezing, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service.

"It's going to be bitterly cold tonight and much of tomorrow, then there's the chance for snow," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said. "If you have an outdoor pet, make sure you have the proper provisions under the law for them to keep them warm and safe!"

By law, pets kept outside in Harford County must have weatherproof, elevated shelters with dry bedding, a covered entrance as well as food and water.

A winter storm watch is in effect from 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, to 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17.

Up to 6 inches of snow and up to 0.1 inch ice may accumulate from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow and ice will not be the only complicating factors — wind gusts may be up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Roads may be slippery, and the Monday morning commute may be impacted, officials advised.

While up to 6 inches of accumulation is possible, about 2 to 4 inches of snow are "most likely," according to the National Weather Service, which reported snow may fall at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour late Sunday afternoon and early Sunday night.

Roads may become nearly impassable, according to authorities.

"Significant snow and wintry precipitation possible," the National Weather Service advised.

Harford County is preparing with 150 pieces of equipment, including 20,000 tons of stored salt.

It can take eight to 12 hours to plow all the roads countywide, according to Harford County officials, who ask people to park in their driveways or on the even-numbered sides of the street.

These areas in Maryland are under the winter storm watch:

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

Parts of Virginia and the District of Columbia are also included in the winter storm watch.

See Also: MD Weather — Snow, Ice, Rain All In Weekend Forecast

Here is the Bel Air forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15. North wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Saturday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 24 and low around 12. North wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Sunday: Snow likely, mainly after 5 p.m. High near 31 and low around 26 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Increasing clouds, with a high near 31. East wind 6 to 10 mph.

Monday: Rain and snow, mainly before 8 a.m. High near 39 degrees and low of 26. Snow and freezing rain before 2 a.m. Rain between 2 and 5 a.m. Then rain and snow from 5 to 8 a.m. Snow could be heavy at times. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Breezy.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 36. Partly cloudy at night, with a low around 24.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43.