Arctic Cold To Proceed 10+ Inches Of Snow As Winter Storm Aims For MD: New Details

Updated at 3:05 p.m.

Very cold temperatures and arctic winds will combine to make it feel like 5 to 10 degrees below zero Friday night through Saturday morning as a winter snowstorm moves into Maryland. Forecasts on Thursday called for 5 to 10 inches of snow to blanket the region, as well as the polar air.

Cold weather advisories have been issued across much of the area with actual temperatures expected to drop into the single digits Friday night, the National Weather Service said.

Areas included in the cold weather advisories are the District of Columbia, the city of Baltimore, and the counties of Cecil, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, and Harford. The advisory will be in effect from 8 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday.

A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Maryland starting Saturday night and going through Monday afternoon. Forecasters say they currently expect 5 inches of snow on the low end, but there is a possibility for some parts of the Baltimore-DC area could get 10 inches or more.

And sleet and freezing rain are likely to mix in with the heavy snow, creating hazardous driving condition. Dangerously cold wind chills and near record-breaking temperatures are expected Friday night through early next week.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service for Baltimore/Washington, D.C. said in a Thursday morning briefing that winter storm watches have been issued for the entire area effective late Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain is possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible, the NWS said.

Here's what the agency said is coming to the Baltimore-DC region: "A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic. This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday, with the potential for ice Sunday, especially south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95.

"In addition to the high threat for significant snow and ice, very cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills likely at times."

Areas included in the winter storm watch are: the District of Columbia, plus Cecil, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Marys, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard, and Harford counties from Saturday evening through Monday morning.

Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of preparedness ahead of the winter storm, and residents are cautioned to avoid travel if possible.

“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” said Gov. Moore. “The safety and security of our residents is our top priority. Please remain vigilant, listen to authorities, use common sense, and complete emergency preparations as soon as possible.”

Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute, forecasters said.

Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday evening, becoming heavy at times late Saturday night, with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times, the NWS said. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday. Significant icing is possible, especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning Friday evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.

"Plowable snow & significant icing (especially south of I-66/US-50) can be expected," the NWS said. "The time is now to prepare to minimize impacts for you & your family."

You can find more at http://ready.gov.

Based on the European model centered on Baltimore, as of Wednesday, WBAL said there could be:

• A 95% chance of 3 inches or more snow accumulation
• An 85% chance of 6 inches or more
• A 45% chance of 12 inches or more

The storm will pass through the Baltimore-DC region between Saturday night and early Monday, with many schools likely to close next week, possibly for multiple days, according to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang.

"In the D.C. area, the main question is how much snow will fall and whether precipitation will change to an icy mix, coating the snow and trees and power lines with a hazardous glaze. Substantial snowfall of at least 4 to 8 inches is likely before any change to ice, most likely south and east of the Beltway," the Post said. "Areas that see all or mostly snow should receive at least 10 inches."