Snow Estimates Climb In MD; Winter Storm Warning Issued

Updated at 3:40 p.m.

MARYLAND — Snowfall estimates have increased for Maryland and a winter storm warning is now in place for parts of the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region.

Parts of the Old Line State could see 8 inches of snow Tuesday into Wednesday. Forecasts vary, but they agree that snow accumulation should be greater in the Washington area than in the Baltimore region.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, forecasting "heavy snow possible" and "snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches."

Counties under the warning include: Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, Charles, St. Marys and Calvert.

A winter storm advisory will be in place from 3 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected in Cecil, Baltimore, and Harford counties.

The warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday, complicating the evening and morning commutes.

"Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Now will overspread the area late Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon, with the steadiest snow expected late Tuesday afternoon and evening," the Weather Service said. "A light wintry mix may continue into Wednesday, but little to no additional accumulation is expected."

Heavy snowfall rates are most likely at mid- or late afternoon, Tuesday, which could affect school and federal government operations both Tuesday and Wednesday,The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said.

"… Some schools may choose to hold classes Tuesday or consider an early dismissal. Federal workers could also be let off work early to avoid a congested and hazardous afternoon and evening commute," the Post said. "Closings are likely to be more widespread Wednesday since the heaviest snow, lowest temperatures and worst road conditions are expected Tuesday night."

The National Weather Service urged residents to delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.

Precipitation is expected to start in the mid-late morning on Tuesday, an NWS forecast discussion said. The storm should start with snow and convert to sleet and freezing rain further south as temperatures rise throughout the day.

Tuesday highs could be above freezing. Total accumulations will depend on how high the thermometer climbs and how fast the precipitation falls.

Sleet and freezing rain should pick up Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

The NWS expects snow totals of 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts reaching 6 or 7 inches. Ice accumulation of a tenth of an inch is possible in southern regions.

"Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination," the NWS said. "Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order."

After the snow, the NWS believes a second system will bring sleet and freezing rain to the area later Wednesday. It should convert to rain through Wednesday afternoon.

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

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Monday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Snow after 1pm. High near 35. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 30. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow before 1pm, then rain, possibly mixed with snow. High near 38. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 7pm. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday: A chance of rain before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

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

Saturday: Rain. High near 43. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday: Rain. High near 49. Chance of precipitation is 90%.