‘Rapidly Deteriorating’ MD Weather: Heavy Snowfall Prompts NWS Warning

Updated at 4:10 p.m.

MARYLAND — Snow has begun to fall across the Baltimore-DC region as a winter storm moves in, and the evening commute conditions are "rapidly deteriorating," the National Weather Service said. Up to 8 inches of snow could fall before the storm moves out Wednesday.

Moderate to heavy snow will spread over the area by 5 p.m. and continue through Tuesday evening, the agency said. Snowfall rates around 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected. The heavy snow will combine with falling temperatures and rapidly stick on all surfaces during the evening
commute.

"If you are traveling, drive slowly and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," the NWS said. "Be prepared for snow-covered roads."

Drivers can find the latest Maryland highway conditions on live traffic cameras.

"Moderate to heavy snow is heading toward the northeast and will impact the D.C. metro area within the next hour," the Weather Service said about 4: 15 p.m. "One- to 2-inch per hour rates are possible as this snow band pushes through. If you are travelling, be prepared for snow-covered roads."

Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the Baltimore-Annapolis area, with another 3 to 5 inches of snowfall possible overnight.

A light wintry mix will likely continue into Wednesday before converting to rain.

Previous reporting as follows:

Forecasters expect more snow in the southern parts of the state and less in the north. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the southern half of Maryland and a winter weather advisory for the northern portion.

The winter storm warning covers Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties along with all of Southern Maryland and parts of the Eastern Shore. It runs from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

"Snow will overspread the area late this morning into this afternoon, with the steadiest snow expected late this afternoon and evening," the NWS warning said on Tuesday. "Snowfall rates around 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible late this afternoon and evening, especially south and west of DC. Visibility may also drop below one half mile this afternoon and evening."

The winter weather advisory covers Cecil County, Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Frederick County and all of Western Maryland. It runs from 3 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. Snowfall rates could reach half an inch per hour.

"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes," the advisory said.

Gov. Wes Moore urged Marylanders to avoid travel if possible.

"This system has the ability to cause hazardous road conditions that will affect transportation throughout the State," Moore said in a Tuesday statement. "I am asking every Marylander to take this storm seriously, remain vigilant and cautious, avoid travel on roadways if possible, and yield to snowplows and salting trucks. If you must travel, be sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle."

Snow and freezing rain are also a threat Wednesday morning, with precipitation switching to rain in the late afternoon.

Storms will continue to hit the state Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, but the NWS said those should bring only rain to the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region.

Temperatures will be above normal Thursday through Sunday, with some highs hovering around 50 degrees. There are several chances for rain through the weekend.

Here's the NWS's seven-day forecast at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Tuesday: Snow, mainly after 4pm. High near 37. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: Snow before 4am, then freezing rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Low around 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow and freezing rain likely before 1pm, then a chance of rain, snow, and sleet between 1pm and 4pm, then rain likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain, mainly before 4am. Low around 34. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of rain, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Light and variable wind becoming west 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 40.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Saturday: Rain after 1pm. High near 47. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Sunday: Rain. High near 55. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Monday (President's Day): Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.