Winter Storm to Hit Maryland On Sunday With Mix Of Snow, Ice, Rain

MARYLAND — A one-two punch of arctic air followed by snow seems to sum up the early weekend weather forecast for Maryland.

The National Weather Service says confidence is increasing that the state will be affected by a potent low pressure system late Sunday into Monday morning. "As it makes the trek north, it will trigger heavy snow, ice and rain throughout the mid-Atlantic, central Appalachians and New England," AccuWeather.com says.

Forecasters say a mix of snow, rain and ice are possible at this point for Maryland, with below-freezing temperatures on Saturday followed by snow, ice and rain Sunday into Monday.

The heaviest snow from the storm is expected along and west of the Interstate 81 corridor in Virginia. The forecast remains uncertain along and east of the I-95 corridor, according to the NWS.

"There is an enhanced winter storm threat Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning. Increased potential of more significant travel impacts and more closures," the weather service said Thursday morning.

Maryland is likely to see snow before 8 p.m. Sunday, then rain, snow, and freezing rain overnight, followed by a mix of rain and snow early Monday morning during the commute.

Strong winds may result in blowing/drifting snow and reduced visibility Sunday night, and may cause isolated wind damage. Gale to storm-force winds are possible over the waters Sunday night, the NWS said.

The storm "has the potential to pack a punch with a period of heavy snow on its cold northwestern flank and heavy rain or heavy snow changing to rain on its warmer southeastern side," AccuWeather.com says.

Here's the forecast:

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Light and variable wind.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16. North wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Sunday: A chance of snow after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow before 8pm, then rain, snow, and freezing rain between 8pm and 2am, then rain and snow likely after 2am. Low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

M.L.King Day: Rain and snow likely, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

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