Snow, Freezing Rain To Slam MD In Post-Christmas Storm: Latest Forecast

A fast-moving storm is expected to bring snow, sleet and rain to parts of Maryland later this week. The system could cause power outages, icy roads and travel disruptions as millions hit the road the day after Christmas.

The storm will likely pack a punch in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states when it moves in Friday into Friday night, according to the latest forecasts.

In their outlook released Wednesday, AccuWeather forecasters said freezing rain and sleet could create slippery and hazardous travel conditions on the southern edge of the storm, which includes the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. regions.

"A buildup of ice can weigh down power lines and tree branches," AccuWeather Senior MeteorologistTyler Roy said. "Significant ice impacts are possible in southern Michigan and south-central Pennsylvania, as well as parts of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. People and businesses should be prepared for power outages."

Meanwhile, holiday travelers should prepare for major slowdowns on roads and at airports.

As far as when the storm will arrive in the Baltimore region, the National Weather Service is calling for a chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 1 p.m. Friday, then snow and sleet during the afternoon hours, followed by rain, snow, and sleet after 4 p.m.

The wintry mix will continue into the overnight hours, National Weather Service forecasters said, before becoming all rain after 1 a.m. Saturday.

"While some snow could be in the cards near and northeast of Baltimore, the warm air aloft will make sleet and freezing rain the predominant precipitation types (or rain where temperatures are above freezing)," National Weather Service forecasters said.

Marylanders waiting until this weekend to travel will encounter much more favorable conditions. On Saturday, expect some lingering rain showers before 1 p.m. followed by cloudy skies later in the day. On Sunday, some rain is likely after 1 p.m. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s both days.

Here's a look at the detailed National Weather Service forecast for the region:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind.

Thursday: A chance of showers, mainly between 7am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North wind around 6 mph.

Friday: A chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 1pm, then snow and sleet between 1pm and 4pm, then rain, snow, and sleet after 4pm. High near 36. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday Night: Rain and freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all rain after 1am. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of rain before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Rain likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 60%.